November 30, 2021 06:22 EST | Source: Nexans

Cedex, La Defense, Paris, France

Nexans and Terna announce a major contract of more than 650 million euros for the construction of the first high-voltage DC interconnector between Sardinia and Sicily, promoting sustainable energy and strengthening the energy hub in the Mediterranean

Paris, November 30, 2021-Nexans and Terna signed a framework contract of more than 650 million euros to provide interconnection cabling solutions for its Tyrrhenian link in Italy. As part of the contract, Nexans will manufacture and install 500 kilometers of 500 kV large-scale immersion (MI) cables and optical fiber (FO) cables in a water depth of more than 2,000 meters, which is the deepest depth in the history of Mediterranean submarine power cables.

The Tyrrhenian connection is an important milestone in the development of the much-needed power grid in Europe. It creates a new power corridor between Sicily, Sardinia and Campania, which will allow the first circuit to be established between the two islands and the Italian mainland.

The project will help improve power exchange capacity and support the development of renewable energy. In addition, it will strengthen network stability and security, and improve the competitiveness of local power market producers.

This framework contract demonstrates the success of Nexans' unique subsea deepwater technology and a complete turnkey approach, especially combining manufacturing and installation with excellent risk management. In addition, it demonstrated the group's key role as a major player in European electrification and demonstrated its key role in improving the entire Mediterranean grid infrastructure. It is expected to further announce more projects in the region.

For Nexans installation of connecting cables, Nexans will use the recently launched cable-laying vessel "Nexans Aurora", which can install deep-water cables with a water depth of more than 2,000m and supports 10,000 tons of cable payload.

Ragnhild Katteland, Executive Vice President of Nexans Subsea and Terrestrial Systems Business Group, said: "We are very pleased to participate in the Tyrrhenian connection project. It confirms our ambition as a key player in European electrification. The role of zero roadmap and our first-class turnkey model. The contract also demonstrates unique expertise, mature technology, and manufacturing and installation capabilities to support large-capacity and deep-water submarine power cable projects for major European customers."

For more than a century, Nexans has played a vital role in the electrification of the earth and is committed to achieving future electrification. With approximately 25,000 employees in 38 countries/regions, the group is leading the development of a new world of electrification: safe, sustainable, renewable, decarbonized and accessible to everyone. In 2020, Nexans' standard sales amounted to 5.7 billion euros. The group is a leader in the design and manufacturing of cable systems and services, covering four main business areas: construction and territory, high voltage and projects, industry and solutions, and telecommunications and data. Nexans is the first company in the industry to create a foundation that supports sustainable initiatives to provide energy to disadvantaged communities around the world. The Group is committed to contributing to carbon neutrality by 2030.

Nexans is listed on the A zone of Euronext Paris. For more information, please visit www.nexans.com