Nexans and Hydro advance Europe’s grid transition

• Nexans and Hydro sign five-year long-term agreement for approximately 85,000 tons of low-carbon aluminum wire rod
• Agreement supports grid modernization and decarbonization with low-carbon aluminum produced using 100% renewable energy in Norway
• The partnership strengthens long-term supply security for Europe’s growing electricity infrastructure needs.

Nexans and Hydro, a leading aluminum and renewable energy company, have signed a five-year long-term agreement (LTA) for the supply of approximately 85,000 tons of low-carbon aluminum wire rod. The aluminum will be used across Nexans’ European operations in power cable solutions supporting medium-voltage power grids, overhead transmission lines and subsea high-voltage infrastructure projects.

Both companies are reinforcing their commitment to supporting Europe’s accelerating energy transition with secure and sustainable material supply. As the continent rapidly expands and modernizes its electricity infrastructure, long-term predictability in raw material supply is becoming increasingly important. Growing investment in renewable energy, grid reinforcement and cross-border electricity interconnections is driving rising demand for aluminum, while tighter carbon regulations and supply chain pressures continue to reshape the European market.

This agreement addresses these challenges by combining long-term security of supply with low-carbon aluminum produced using Hydro’s low-carbon aluminum which is manufactured by 100% renewable energy in Norway.

As investment in electricity networks accelerates across the continent, ensuring reliable access to low-carbon materials is becoming a strategic priority for the energy sector. The aluminum company is supplying Hydro REDUXA to Nexans, a low-carbon product material with a verified footprint below 4.0 kg CO₂ per kg aluminum, less than one-third of the global average. Utilizing low-carbon aluminum helps reduce the embedded emissions associated with electricity infrastructure projects.

The agreement, running until 2030, also aligns with Hydro’s recent investment to expand aluminum wire rod capacity at its Karmøy smelter in Norway.

Hydro’s strong sustainability profile, including ASI certification, a robust Ecovadis rating and transparent traceability standards, was an important factor in the agreement. The company is also recognized for its high level of responsiveness and transparency regarding sourcing, compliance and raw material traceability requirements.

The agreement is particularly significant for the Nordic market, where demand for low-carbon and traceable materials continues to grow rapidly across energy infrastructure projects. As European policymakers continue to emphasize the importance of modern, interconnected electricity grids to competitiveness, energy security and the clean energy transition, Nexans believes partnerships focused on resilient and sustainable supply chains will become increasingly critical.

Through this long-term agreement, Nexans and Hydro are reinforcing long-term access to low‑carbon aluminum and strengthening their strategic partnership to support the development of resilient, efficient and sustainable electricity infrastructure across the continent, in support of Europe’s energy transition.