NKT secures extension of framework agreements for high-voltage power cables with RTE in France

RTE, France’s Transmission System Operator (TSO), has awarded NKT the extension of two framework agreements for the supply of high-voltage power cables solutions from 2026 to 2028. The framework agreements are for onshore power cables, accessories and installation at voltage levels 90 kV, 225 kV and 400 kV. The agreements include firm commitments of around 1,400 km power cable solutions and will be supported from NKT’s sites in Esposende, Portugal, which became part of the company in June 2024 when NKT acquired SolidAl, and Cologne, Germany.

- 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 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, says Claes Westerlind, President and CEO at NKT.

With one of the largest shares of nuclear electricity in the world, and a growing amount of renewable energy coming online, France’s grid has a very low carbon intensity. At the same time, France is one of Europe’s largest exporters of electricity, leading the charge towards a more interconnected electricity market. As a key partner to England, Spain, Switzerland, Germany, and Italy, RTE plays a central role in the power grid of Europe.

The collaboration enables NKT to be part of RTE's strategy of adapting to climate change, renewing and developing the grid to accommodate more electricity generated from renewable energy, and support France's transition to net-zero.

- The electrification, decarbonization and reindustrialization of France are synonymous with major investments in the electricity transmission network over the coming years. This partnership with NKT 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, says Xavier Piechaczyk, President of the Managing Board at RTE.

With the growing demand for medium- and high-voltage power cables across Europe, NKT is expanding its capacity across multiple sites. This includes investments of EUR 50 million in Esposende, and EUR 100 million in Cologne. The additional capacity will support delivery of power cables to RTE, as well as other TSOs and DSOs across Europe, ensuring a more modern, efficient and interconnected power grid.