Tony finds solutions by looking at problems from different perspectives

Even though he’s located at Vattenfall’s headquarters in Solna, a significant part of Tony’s work today takes place in the test facility at Vattenfall’s laboratory in Älvkarleby. And he’s still got a special interest in cables, which can be subjected to different types of mechanical testing. Cable samples are repeatedly bent while properties such as stiffness and fatigue are measured. His working days vary depending on the questions and challenges different parts of the business need help with.

The team he’s working with can carry out high-current tests on subsea and land cables, as well as shorter sections of overhead lines. By circulating current through the test objects, they can, among other things, study thermal effects. The results are collected and analysed to provide insights into how cables and power lines withstand different types of stress under real operating conditions.

Laboratory work, however, is only one part of Tony’s role. He also conducts theoretical studies, technical investigations and data analyses for different parts of Vattenfall. This might involve investigating monitoring systems for offshore wind farms to measure temperatures or partial discharges. Other assignments might include developing decision-support tools for selecting conductors when reinforcing regional grids or analysing vibration measurements from substations to better understand what is causing the vibrations. His work may also focus on how wind farms can be designed more efficiently or which new measurement methods could be used in the electricity grid.

Tony says: "It’s stimulating to be able to switch between practical testing and more theoretical investigations. What the projects have in common is that they should generate new knowledge that can be put to use across the business."

Other assignments might include developing decision-support tools for selecting conductors when reinforcing regional grids or analysing vibration measurements from substations to better understand what is causing the vibrations. His work may also focus on how wind farms can be designed more efficiently or which new measurement methods could be used in the electricity grid.

In many projects, Tony works with colleagues whose expertise differs from his own, allowing them to complement each other. Throughout the projects, there is an ongoing dialogue with the teams that will ultimately use the results, for example within wind power or electricity distribution. Tony particularly values the new perspectives that emerge when several people work together on the same problem. Working as a team leads to more – and definitely better – solutions.

As Tony puts it: "It’s easy to approach a question from your own perspective. When you discuss it with others, things often come up that you wouldn’t have thought of yourself. The team can also give you new energy when your motivation is running low."

Proud to make a difference

Working for a company that plays a central role in Sweden’s energy supply means a great deal to Tony. Energy infrastructure is something almost everyone relies on, and the technical decisions made today can have an impact far beyond an individual project.

Tony says: "It feels meaningful to work somewhere where you can genuinely make a difference. I’m proud to contribute to something that is valued and used by so many people!"

He also appreciates the opportunities to continue developing professionally. Through practical external training, for example, he has learned more about safety when working in wind turbines. Together with his manager and programme lead, Tony can also influence which technical areas he wants to explore in greater depth. Which suits him well – he's still as curious about energy issues as he was when he started. How Tony puts it: “If you’re interested in a particular area, there are opportunities to take on projects within it and continue building your expertise. That keeps the work both varied and full of opportunities to learn.”