Nexans has been chosen by Reseau de Transport d’Electricite (RTE) for a three-year frame contract to deliver underground grid connections enabling further renewables integration within the French grid.
The agreement covers cables, accessories and installation services for underground connections at 90kV, 220kV and 400kV.
The framework agreement has an option for an additional two years.
Nexans said it shares a “common ambition” with RTE to be a “global player” in the energy transition through “major electrification projects”, including wind farms, international interconnectors and grid reinforcement.
Nexans said it will play a “key role” in RTE’s projects to renew and upgrade France’s power transmission network.
A particular focus for the underground connection projects is to accommodate new renewable generation capacity by ensuring the reliability of critical network infrastructure.
The cables supplier said a key factor in it securing the agreement with RTE has been Nexans’ capability to make a “greener choice” when purchasing materials and services.
RTE purchasing director Gilles Etheimer said: “RTE’s mission is to adapt the power grid to the energy transition by guaranteeing the security of power supply to the French people at a lower economic, environmental and visual cost.
“As we have already had the opportunity to reiterate through “The Greener Choice”, an open letter sent by RTE, ELIA, REN, TENNET, RED ELECTRICA, NG and TERNA to their suppliers in November 2020, we expect the winners of our contracts to have a strong ambition regarding environmental and societal issues.
“Nexans receives a significant share of the volumes and we are counting on them as a long-term partner to continue to make a difference both in terms of quality and the environment for a more sustainable world.”
The high voltage cables will be manufactured at the Nexans plants in Bourg-en-Bresse, France and Charleroi, Belgium, and the accessories in Cortaillod, Switzerland.
In addition, Nexans will train RTE teams in the installation of accessories as well as providing fast repair services and maintaining strategic stocks of cable for emergency repairs across France’s transmission network.