France Launches First Closed-Loop Aluminum Recycling Program for High-Voltage Power Cables

According to a joint announcement, French electricity transmission system operator RTE and global cable manufacturer Nexans have launched a large-scale aluminum recycling initiative aimed at decarbonizing power cable production across Europe.

According to RTE’s official website, the initiative—first piloted in 2023 and formally launched in 2024—marks the first time in France that aluminum from decommissioned high- and extra-high-voltage transmission cables will be recycled and reused within the same network infrastructure.

The industrial process is entirely based in Europe and will enable the recycling of approximately 600 metric tons of aluminum per year, recovered from 1,000 metric tons of dismantled cables—roughly half of the total volume RTE plans to retire in 2025. This effort is expected to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e) emissions by at least 400 metric tons annually, due to the significantly lower carbon footprint of recycled aluminum compared to virgin material.

As outlined in RTE’s Strategic Network Development Plan (SDDR 2025), presented in February this year, establishing a circular economy loop for network components is a critical step in strengthening supply security and achieving climate targets. The plan highlights the importance of sourcing materials locally within France and Europe, while also reducing the environmental footprint associated with network expansion and maintenance.

Aluminum’s recyclability without compromising technical integrity makes it particularly suitable for reuse in high-voltage applications. According to estimates cited by RTE, recycled aluminum from cable renewal projects could meet up to 25% of the network’s total aluminum demand over the next 15 years. Recycled aluminum also offers a carbon impact 10 to 20 times lower than primary aluminum.

The partnership builds on a successful 2023 pilot project in the Maine-et-Loire and Corrèze regions. Following this, RTE and Nexans established France’s first closed-loop recycling model, where decommissioned overhead cables are collected nationwide and transported to the Recycâbles facility in Noyelles-Godault for shredding. The processed aluminum is then transformed into wire rods and reused in Nexans’ cable production plant in Elouges, Belgium.

Under the current agreement, Nexans will manage the full recycling chain, with the resulting cables primarily serving RTE’s domestic grid needs but also available to other Nexans customers seeking lower-emission alternatives.

In addition, the program includes improvements in traceability of used cables, ensuring better tracking and end-of-life recycling. Starting this year, RTE’s newly installed cables will contain 10% recycled aluminum, with a target to increase that share to 30% by 2040, as part of its long-term decarbonization strategy.

Source: Nexans