RTE, the transmission system operator (TSO) for France, has contracted with five suppliers–Prysmian, Nexans, NKT-SolidAI and Hellenic Cables–to secure underground power cables supplies for its projects through 2028.

A press release said that the collective project will cost almost €1 billion for the supply and installation of around 5,200 km of underground cables for voltage levels ranging from 90,000 to 400,000 volts, with the cost for the cables at €668 million euros, including €300 million for cable installation and assembly services.

One third of the cables will be made in France at Prysmian plants in Gron (Yonne) and Montereau-Fault-Yonne (Seine-et-Marne) and the Nexans plant in Bourg-en-Bresse (Ain). With this commitment, RTE is reserving almost all of the French production capacity still available until 2028, for the production of more than 1,700 km of cables. The release noted that the order to develop and strengthen the existing French electricity transmission network has allowed Prysmian to invest in a new cable production line in Seine-et-Marne.

Prysmian CEO Massimo Battaini said that the order “represents an exceptional opportunity for Prysmian to actively contribute to the local economic and social development of our sites in France with continued investments aimed at leveraging know-how and technologies available on the territory and creating new jobs.”

“Nexans is proud to put its expertise at the service of this common ambition for a more reliable electricity grid and a stronger industry,” said Nexans CEO Christopher Guérin.

“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,” said NKT President and CEO Claes Westerlind, who noted that his company has been working with RTE since 2011. Of note, in June, NKT acquired SolidAl, which was one of the five cable suppliers cited in the press release.

“We are honored to be part of RTE’s ambitious initiative, which not only strengthens France’s energy infrastructure but also emphasizes sustainable, European-made solutions for the regional electricity transmission network,” said Alexis Alexiou, CEO of Cenergy Holdings, which owns Hellenic Cables.