Prysmian and RTE Forge Major Cable Agreement
Italian cabling giant Prysmian has made a significant move in the renewable energy sector by signing a framework agreement with French transmission system operator RTE. This partnership focuses on the engineering, procurement, construction, installation, and commissioning of submarine power cable links. These links will play a crucial role in connecting the Fos and Narbonnaise offshore wind farms to the French transmission grid. The agreement encompasses both submarine and land components, including essential landfall works. This collaboration marks a pivotal step toward enhancing France’s renewable energy infrastructure.
Details of the Agreement
The framework agreement between Prysmian and RTE is designed to facilitate the development of submarine power cable links that will connect two significant offshore wind farms to the French grid. The projects are subject to call-off by RTE, meaning that the finalization of the terms for the relevant Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Installation (EPCI) contracts will occur in the coming years, specifically during 2026 and 2027. The expected delivery and commissioning of these projects are slated for the period between 2031 and 2032. The total potential value of these two EPCI contracts is approximately €700 million, equivalent to about $735 million. This substantial investment underscores the importance of renewable energy projects in the region and highlights Prysmian’s role as a key player in this sector.
Each project will involve the installation of three HVAC 225 kV three-core export cables, which will feature XLPE insulation and synthetic armor for enhanced durability. The land cables, totaling around 400 km, will be produced in France, while the submarine cables, spanning approximately 240 km, will be manufactured at Prysmian’s specialized facilities in Italy and Finland. The installation operations will utilize one of Prysmian’s advanced cable-laying vessels, showcasing the company’s commitment to employing cutting-edge technology in its projects.
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Impact on Renewable Energy in France
The Fos and Narbonnaise offshore wind farms represent significant advancements in France’s renewable energy landscape. The Fos wind farm, located along the picturesque coast of Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, will require around 300 km of cables. Meanwhile, the Narbonnaise Project, situated on the coast of Occitanie, will necessitate approximately 340 km of cables. Each of these projects has the potential to generate an impressive capacity of 750 MW, contributing substantially to France’s energy needs and sustainability goals.
This agreement not only highlights Prysmian’s expertise in cable technology but also emphasizes the growing importance of offshore wind energy in the global transition to renewable sources. As countries strive to reduce their carbon footprints, projects like these are essential for integrating renewable energy into existing power grids. The collaboration between Prysmian and RTE is a promising step toward achieving a more sustainable energy future for France and beyond.
