(Reuters) – France’s electricity transmission system operator RTE on Tuesday announced a billion euro ($1.09 billion) contract with European suppliers, including fibre-optic cables maker Nexans, to support its projects through 2028.
RTE also announced the signature of supply agreements with Greece’s Hellenic Cables, Italy’s Prysmian as well as Copenhagen-listed NKT.
WHY IT IS IMPORTANT
RTE maintains and develops the high and extra-high voltage network in France, including 7,000 km of underground lines. The French grid, which is the most extensive in Europe, features 37 interconnections with its neighbouring countries.
KEY QUOTE
“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,” RTE said in a joint press release.
BY THE NUMBERS (Key data points)
The contracts include the supply and installation of around 5,200 km of underground cables, which will be exlusively produced in Europe. The production, for a total cost of 668 million euros, will take place for one third in France, reserving almost all of the French production capacity still available until 2028, RTE said.
($1 = 0.9160 euros)
(Reporting by Alban Kacher; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
