Accelerating electrification through shared innovation

Electrification lies at the heart of the energy transition. Yet behind this now-familiar term unfolds a profound industrial and societal transformation — new technologies, new uses, new models of collaboration. Through their partnership, Nexans and Rexel demonstrate how shared innovation and close proximity to the field can make this transformation tangible, effective, and sustainable.

In the face of the climate emergency, electrification has emerged as one of the most powerful drivers of decarbonization. According to the International Energy Agency, more than 70% of the emissions reductions needed by 2050 will come from electric technologies — from heating and mobility to industrial production and data centers.

Achieving this, however, requires more than an energy substitution. It calls for a fundamental rethinking of networks, uses, and infrastructure. This is precisely where Rexel, a leading distributor of energy solutions, and Nexans, a global leader in cable design, manufacturing, and sustainable electrification, join forces.

Partners at the heart of the value chain

One designs and manufactures; the other distributes. Together, Rexel and Nexans connect industrial innovation with real-world needs.

Their collaboration is rooted in an ecosystem approach: Rexel, through its extensive distribution network and close relationships with installers and integrators, captures market expectations. Nexans, in turn, develops advanced technical and digital solutions — from low-carbon cables and intelligent cable management systems to traceability technologies.

This virtuous loop accelerates the deployment of innovation while ensuring large-scale adoption.

Innovation is the driving force of this partnership.

At Rexel, it means simplifying installers’ work and improving building performance. At Nexans, it’s about mastering the technology behind the cable — a discreet yet critical link in the energy chain.

From this convergence emerge tangible innovations:

• Mobiway Pop Connect and Mobiway Mob, designed to make cable handling and installation safer and more ergonomic;
• The low-carbon AR2V cable, the result of a redesigned industrial process that significantly reduces CO₂ emissions;
• Smart cabling solutions that measure cable usage and optimize on-site logistics.

Presented at Rexel Expo 2024, these innovations embody a shared philosophy: making the energy transition concrete through simple, practical, and measurable solutions.

A partnership built on proximity and trust

Beyond products, the Rexel–Nexans partnership is grounded in a deep understanding of the market. Commercial and technical teams from both companies work hand in hand to adapt solutions to a wide range of projects — from commercial buildings and industrial facilities to data centers and electric mobility.

This close collaboration also fosters experimentation. In recent years, several joint pilot projects have tested innovations in real-world conditions — from new cable drums and digital monitoring tools to low-carbon logistics models.

Electrification is not an end in itself — it’s a systemic shift. It redefines how buildings are designed, powered, and managed. As systems become increasingly interconnected and intelligent, data is becoming as vital as the cable itself.

This is where the collaboration between Nexans and Rexel takes on its full meaning: bridging technological performance with operational reality, and linking ecological transition with local value creation.

The future of electrification will depend on this alliance between industrial innovation and field proximity — an alliance that Nexans and Rexel already embody.