RTE strengthens its strategic supplies and contributes to developing French industry through the purchase of more than 5,000 km of high-voltage underground power cables from five European suppliers

As part of this contract of almost one billion euros (€), all cables will be produced exclusively in Europe (France, Portugal, Greece, Belgium, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands), at a cost of 668 million euros. These contracts also cover cable installation and assembly services (for around 300 million euros). 

One third of the cables will be produced in France, at both the Prysmian plants in Gron (Yonne) and Montereau-Fault-Yonne (Seine-et-Marne) and the Nexans plant in Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain). With this commitment, RTE is reserving almost all of the French production capacity still available until 2028, for the production of more than 1,700 km of cables.

Securing these strategic supplies is essential for RTE to if we are to meet future requirements for developing and strengthening the electricity transmission network. These contracts are a concrete evidence of the new industrial strategy and purchasing policy set out by RTE, which will be at the heart of its future strategic network development plan for the next 15 years. This policy is based on anticipating needs, standardising equipment, mass production and extending contract length (from 5 to 8 years). It aims at offering sufficient visibility to suppliers to enable them to develop their production capacities in France and Europe.

Such a strategy is already proving its relevance by allowing Prysmian to invest in a new cable production line in Seine-etMarne. RTE thus contributes to France’s reindustrialisation and economic development. 

These contracts illustrate how the investments made by RTE to upgrade the French grid can contribute to developing employment and economic growth in France. They also reflect RTE's determination to join forces effectively with other industrial partners to adapt the French grid to support the country’s transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050.

Xavier Piechaczyk, President of the Board at RTE: “The electrification, decarbonisation and reindustrialisation of France are synonymous with major investments in the electricity transmission network over the coming years. This new partnership with five major cable makers not only allows us to secure the equipment needed to support the energy transition, but also shows the impact that investing on moving away from fossil energies can have on the French and European manufacturing industry, driving economic growth and employment.” 

Massimo Battaini, CEO at Prysmian: “The European electrical landscape is undergoing profound changes to make the energy transition a reality, and grids are becoming the backbone of the energy transition: we are proud to support our customers in this journey. This award confirms Prysmian’s role as a trusted partner, with an attentive focus on the speed, quality and reliability that is needed to develop more efficient and greener power grids. The award also represents an exceptional opportunity for Prysmian to actively contribute to the local economic and social development of our sites in France with continued investments aimed at leveraging know-how and technologies available on the territory and creating new jobs.” 

Christopher Guérin, CEO at Nexans: “This partnership with RTE marks a strategic step towards the energy transition in France and Europe. By ensuring local and sustainable production of underground power cables, we strengthen the electricity network’s resilience but also contribute to the economic development of the territories. Nexans is proud to put its expertise at the service of this common ambition for a more reliable electricity grid and a stronger industry.”

Claes Westerlind, President and CEO at NKT (including SolidAl): “We are excited to continue the long-term collaboration with RTE as they modernize and strengthen France’s power grid and support the transition to renewable energy. We have been working with RTE since 2011 and in 2023 we were awarded the supply of the cables for the Biscay Gulf Interconnector between Spain and France. With the acquisition of SolidAl, we improved our geographic reach in new and existing markets. We look forward to building upon this success by supporting RTE and France’s grid upgrades in the coming years.” 

Alexis Alexiou, CEO of Cenergy Holdings (Hellenic Cables): “We are honoured to be part of RTE's ambitious initiative, which not only strengthens France's energy infrastructure but also emphasizes sustainable, European-made solutions for the regional electricity transmission network. Hellenic Cables has been continuously expanding its production output, aiming to support network development initiatives, and is committed to delivering high-quality, advanced cable solutions that align with France's energy transition goals and RTE's strategic vision.”

About RTE: RTE, France's electricity transmission system operator, has a public service mission: to guarantee the supply of electricity at all times and with the same quality of service throughout continental France, thanks to the mobilisation of its 10,000 employees. RTE manages electricity flows and the balance between production and consumption in real time. RTE maintains and develops the high and extra-high voltage network (from 63,000 to 400,000 volts), which consists of almost 100,000 kilometres of overhead lines, 7,000 kilometres of underground lines, 2,900 substations in operation or joint operation and around fifty cross-border lines. The French grid, which is the most extensive in Europe, features 37 interconnections with its neighbouring countries. As a neutral and independent industrial operator of the energy transition, RTE optimises and transforms its network to connect electricity production facilities and consumers, especially industrial consumers. Through its expertise and reports, RTE contributes to public debate.

Press conatct: [email protected]/ Emilie Grandidier [email protected] +33 (0)6 47 46 54 95

About Prysmian: Prysmian is a global cable solutions provider, leader in energy transition and digital transformation. By leveraging its broad geographic footprint and product range, its history of technological leadership and innovation, and its strong customer base, the company is well positioned to capitalise on its leading position and capture new growth markets. Prysmian's business strategy is perfectly aligned with key market drivers as it develops resilient, high-performance, sustainable and innovative cable solutions for the Transportation segments. Power Grids, Electrification and Digital Solutions. Prysmian is a public company listed on the Italian stock exchange, with nearly 150 years of experience, about 30,000 employees, 108 production sites and 26 research and development centres in more than 50 countries, and with a turnover of more than 15 billion euros in 2023.

Press contact: [email protected]/ Jonathan Heywood [email protected] +39.331.6573546

About Nexans: For over a century, Nexans has played a crucial role in the electrification of the planet and is committed to electrifying the future. With approximately 28,500 people in 41 countries, the Group is paving the way to a new world of safe, sustainable and decarbonized electricity that is accessible to everyone. In 2023, Nexans generated 6.5 billion euros in standard sales. The Group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services across four main business areas: Power Generation & Transmission, Distribution, Usage and Industry & Solutions. Nexans was the first company in its industry to create a Foundation supporting sustainable initiatives, bringing access to energy to disadvantaged communities worldwide. The Group is recognized on the CDP Climate Change A List as a global leader on climate action and has committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Nexans. Electrify the future. Nexans is listed on Euronext Paris, compartment A. For more information, please visit www.nexans.com

Press contact: [email protected]

About NKT: NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures, and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 6,000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 2.6 billion in 2023. NKT - We connect a greener world. www.NKT.com.

Press contact: Louise Westh Naldal, Head of Group Communications, Tel.: +45 2982 0022

About Hellenic Cables: With over 70 years of success, Hellenic Cables is a leading provider of cables and turnkey solutions worldwide, servicing the markets of energy transmission and distribution, renewables and offshore wind, telecom and data networks, construction and industry. Through its fully owned subsidiary Fulgor, Hellenic Cables operates its submarine cables plant in Corinth, Greece, where the production and testing of some of the longest submarine cable lengths without factory joints leveraging top-notch facilities and equipment. Since 2012, Hellenic Cables has executed a EUR 600 million investment plan to upgrade its production sites, transforming them into state-of-the-art facilities. Hellenic Cables represents the cables segment of Cenergy Holdings SA. For further information, please visit Hellenic Cables website at www.hellenic-cables.com. 

Press contact : Christina Neofotistou, Marketing Senior Specialist [email protected] : (+30) 6974 4045 83,