In a significant step for Europe’s energy and circular economy ambitions, French transmission system operator RTE (Réseau de Transport d'Électricité) and cable technology giant Nexans have officially initiated the first-ever industrial-scale aluminium recycling project in France for high and extra high-voltage power cables. The project is part of a partnership that began in 2024 and exemplifies how circularity and decarbonisation can work synergistically to reconfigure Europe’s energy infrastructure.
Closing the loop: a European first
For the first time, aluminium from decommissioned transmission wires will be completely recycled and incorporated back into RTE's grid. This project will recycle around 600 metric tonnes of aluminium a year and will save at least 400 metric tonnes of CO₂ emissions per year. Because aluminium recycling emits up to 20 times less carbon than primary production, this project is an important part of achieving France's SDDR 2025 network development targets.
