In a significant step for Europe’s energy and circular economy ambitions, French transmission system operator RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité) and cable technology giant Nexans have officially initiated the first-ever industrial-scale aluminium recycling project in France for high and extra high-voltage power cables. The project is part of a partnership that began in 2024 and exemplifies how circularity and decarbonisation can work synergistically to reconfigure Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Closing the loop: a European first
For the first time, aluminium from decommissioned transmission wires will be completely recycled and incorporated back into RTE's grid. This project will recycle around 600 metric tonnes of aluminium a year and will save at least 400 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. Because aluminium recycling emits up to 20 times less carbon than primary production, this project is an important part of achieving France's SDDR 2025 network development targets.
“This partnership once again underlines our commitment to sustainable, low-carbon electrification. By setting up this complete recycling loop with our close partner RTE, we are contributing to efficiency, sustainability and the preservation of global resources. We are mobilising and supporting the entire value chain, taking the entire French and European electricity ecosystem on a virtuous and exemplary journey,” Vincent Dessale, Senior Executive Vice President, Strategic Projects and Key Accounts of Nexans, said.
Also read: Nexans launches France's first low-carbon power grid cable
After several pilot projects in Maine-et-Loire and Corrèze, which showed great success, the programme has gone on to complete deployment at an industrial scale. As of this year, recycled cables will have at least 10 per cent recycled aluminium in them, rising to 30 per cent by 2040.
Strengthening the French and European supply chains
Aluminium sourced and processed entirely in Europe supports RTE’s strategic push for energy independence and regional supply chain resilience. “Our aluminium sourcing process is becoming more circular. This illustrates RTE’s twofold ambition: to invest with partners in Europe and reduce the carbon footprint of our activities,” emphasised Thomas Veyrenc, Managing Board member and Managing Director, Economy, Strategy and Finance, RTE.
In this circular approach, RTE and Nexans plan to supply nearly a quarter of the network's circuitry aluminium requirements from recycled materials over the following 15 years.
Scaling infrastructure for offshore wind
At the same time, Nexans has signed a major framework contract with RTE for the supply and installation of 450 km of HVDC subsea cables and 280 km of HVDC onshore cables to connect its three major offshore wind farms, Center Manche 1 & 2 and Oléron to France’s grid in order for France to achieve its target to reach 45 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050.
“This landmark agreement with RTE reinforces Nexans’ position at the forefront of the energy transition in Europe,” stated Christopher Guérin, CEO of Nexans. “We are strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the power grid while enabling a more connected future.”
A model for sustainable electrification
Collectively, these programmes exhibit Nexans' dual commitment to sustainable manufacturing and advancing renewable energy sources. RTE and Nexans, by combining recycling methods and constructing essential offshore connections, are creating a platform where heretofore incompatible purposes of infrastructure, climate goals, and industrial competitiveness can coexist.
Also read: Aluminium recycling: The backbone of a circular, low-carbon economy
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