Nexans has won a big framework agreement with RTE, the French electricity transmission system operator. This agreement includes the delivery of high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cables. This contract is key to connecting Dominion’s three offshore wind farms. It will allow Centre Manche 1 & 2 and Oléron to be directly connected to the French mainland power grid. The Dutch-German partnership’s value is more than €1 billion. Yet the specific costs will be determined by the quantities and subcontractors chosen in these later stages.
Under the contract, Nexans will deliver 450 kilometers of HVDC subsea cables and 280 kilometers for the onshore links. These cables will be essential for transmitting the electricity generated by new offshore wind farms to the mainland. They power France’s aggressive aim of achieving 45GW of offshore wind capacity by 2050. Nexans will be responsible for the entire installation and commissioning of these HVDC cables. This responsibility further underlines its key position in the European energy transition.
Nexans' CEO, Christopher Guérin, emphasized the importance of this agreement in maintaining Nexans' position at the forefront of the energy transition in Europe.
“This landmark agreement with RTE re-inforces Nexans’ position at the forefront of the energy transition in Europe.” – Christopher Guérin
This project has the important distinction of being supportive of France’s own renewable energy goals. It further supports Nexans’ commitment to the nation’s ambitious, offshore wind and broader energy transition goals. With these state-of-the-art transmission solutions, Nexans hopes to help make France’s power grid more resilient and sustainable.
“By delivering state-of-the-art transmission solutions, we are not only supporting France’s ambitious offshore wind targets but also strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the power grid.” – Christopher Guérin
The contract powerfully reinforces Nexans’ strategic partnership with RTE. It highlights Nexans’ dedication to supporting the development of large-scale renewable energy projects. Engie’s Pascal Radue said the firm was proud to be awarded this concession, embodying a common will to realize France’s energy aspirations.
“We are proud to be awarded by RTE for this frame agreement.” – Pascal Radue