Home 🇳🇴 Hydro and Nexans enter long-term supply agreement to strengthen Europe’s electricity grid with low-carbon aluminium
Announcements

🇳🇴 Hydro and Nexans enter long-term supply agreement to strengthen Europe’s electricity grid with low-carbon aluminium

OSLO, Norway (July 6, 2026) — Hydro has entered a five-year, long-term agreement with Nexans to supply approximately 85,000 tonnes of low-carbon aluminium wire rod between 2026 and 2030. The agreement supports grid modernization and decarbonization with material produced using renewable energy in Norway.

Hydro’s Karmøy plant produces low-carbon aluminium wire rod for use in power transmission and distribution infrastructure across Europe.

“Europe’s transition from importing fossil energy to domestically produced renewable power is creating strong demand for modern electricity infrastructure. Our ambition is to work with partners like Nexans, and offer stable and reliable supply of the low-carbon aluminium solutions Europe needs to strengthen its grid, competitiveness and energy security,” said Hanne Simensen, executive vice president of Hydro Aluminium Metal.

The five-year agreement aligns with Hydro’s investment to expand aluminium wire rod capacity at its Karmøy primary aluminium plant in Norway.

The investment at Karmøy enables increased production of low-carbon aluminium tailored to Europe’s growing demand for electricity infrastructure. Aluminium has been defined by the EU as a critical material, with Norway being a key provider, covering 40 percent of primary aluminium production in Europe.

Both companies are reinforcing their commitment to support Europe’s accelerating energy transition through predictable, long-term industrial cooperation.

As Europe expands and modernizes its electricity networks, reliable access to critical materials is becoming increasingly important to avoid bottlenecks and ensure timely delivery of grid projects across the region.

This agreement addresses these challenges by combining long-term security of supply with low-carbon aluminium produced using renewable energy in Norway.

The aluminium supplied under the agreement is produced using Hydro REDUXA, Hydro’s low-carbon aluminium with a verified footprint below 4.0 kg CO₂ per kg aluminium, less than one third of the global average.

    “Europe’s electrification ambitions depend not only on generating cleaner energy, but also on building the infrastructure needed to transport it efficiently and reliably. This agreement with Hydro strengthens the resilience of our supply chain while supporting lower-carbon electrification. Securing long-term access to responsibly produced aluminium is essential for delivering the critical grid infrastructure Europe needs over the coming decade,” said Vijay Mahadevan, executive managing director for Europe & chief operations officer at Nexans.

    The aluminium will be used in power cable solutions for medium voltage power grids, overhead transmission lines and subsea high voltage infrastructure supporting Europe’s electricity network.

    By supplying low-carbon aluminium to applications across power grids, overhead lines, and subsea connections, Hydro and Nexans are contributing to the development of modern, efficient and more sustainable electricity infrastructure in Europe.

    About Hydro

    Hydro is a leading aluminium and renewable energy company committed to a sustainable future. Hydro’s purpose is to create more viable societies by developing natural resources into products and solutions in innovative and efficient ways.

    Since 1905, Hydro has turned natural resources into valuable products for people and businesses, creating a safe and secure workplace for its 32,000 employees in more than 40 countries. www.hydro.com.

    About Nexans

    Nexans is the global pure player in sustainable electrification, building the essential systems that power the world’s transition to a connected, resilient, and low-carbon future. From offshore and onshore renewable energies to smart cities and homes, Nexans designs and delivers advanced cable solutions, accessories and services that electrify progress safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

    With over 140 years of history, through three core businesses: PWR Transmission, PWR Grid, and PWR Connect, Nexans blends deep industry expertise with cutting-edge innovation to accelerate the energy transition, and better meet its customers’ needs. Its unique E3 model, focused on Environment, Economy and Engagement, drives every action, aligning performance with purpose.

    Nexans operates in 41 countries with 25,700 people and generated €6.1 billion in standard sales in 2025. Nexans is committed to Net-Zero emissions by 2050 aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and expanding energy access through the Fondation Nexans.

    Contact

    Halvor Molland

    Senior Vice President, Group Communication, Hydro

    Email: [email protected]

    Phone: +47 92979797


    Originally published on July 6, 2026 by Hydro.

    Announcements are published as a service to readers. The sender is responsible for all content.
    Announcements for publication can be submitted to [email protected].

    Country

    norway

    Enjoy reading Arctic Today?

    At Arctic Today, we strive every day to bring you reliable information on one of the world’s most dynamic and rapidly changing regions. Independent journalism ensures that stories about Far North communities, businesses, and governments are told without fear or favor. Your support helps us continue our important mission. Become a supporter today and join us in getting the word out on this vital region. Together, we can ensure that the Arctic story is told accurately and responsibly. Arctic Today is a U.S. non-profit organization. Donate to support Arctic Today here.