EDF and Trimet Ensure Secure Energy Supply for French Aluminium Production with Long-Term Contract

EDF and Trimet Ensure Secure Energy Supply for French Aluminium Production with Long-Term Contract

(IN BRIEF) EDF and Trimet have signed a long-term contract for the supply of electricity to support aluminium production in France. The agreement extends their existing partnership and secures the energy supply for Trimet’s aluminium smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. The contract covers a total of 22TWh over a period of up to ten years and includes flexible components for risk-sharing. The collaboration enables Trimet to ramp up the production of low carbon aluminium, contributing to their goal of climate-neutral production. EDF aims to support industrial consumers in their decarbonization efforts by providing competitive and sustainable long-term contracts. The aluminium smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne produces approximately 150,000 tonnes of aluminium annually and employs around 600 people. EDF holds a 35% stake in Trimet France SAS.

(PRESS RELEASE) PARIS, 26-Jun-2023 — /EuropaWire/ —  EDF (EPA: EDF), the world-leading nuclear operator, and aluminium producer Trimet have signed a new long-term contract for electricity supply to support primary aluminium production in France. The agreement extends the existing partnership between the two companies, which began in 2013. The contract ensures a secure energy supply for the aluminium smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, totaling 22TWh over a period of up to ten years. The agreement includes flexible components to balance risks and benefits.

Aluminium production is an electrochemical process that requires significant amounts of electricity, making energy a major cost factor in the industry.

Philipp Schlüter, President of Trimet France SAS, emphasizes the value of the partnership: “The agreement demonstrates the strength of a good partnership, especially in challenging times. It provides us with the necessary planning security and ensures the production of this strategic metal where it is needed. Aluminium is the metal for the green transformation, and with this contract, Trimet can ramp up its production of low carbon aluminium, aligning with our goal of climate-neutral aluminium production.”

Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF, highlights the company’s commitment to supporting industrial consumers in their decarbonization efforts: “EDF is proud to renew its partnership with Trimet. For the past 10 years, EDF has played a significant role in keeping this major aluminium producer on French soil. Through this new electricity supply contract, we continue to support their activity for up to 10 years. EDF aims to assist large industrial consumers in their decarbonization ambitions and provide them with competitive and sustainable long-term contracts that enhance their performance and provide investment visibility.”

The aluminium smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, along with the adjoining casthouse, has an annual production capacity of approximately 150,000 tonnes of aluminium and employs around 600 people. Trimet acquired the plant in 2013 and has since expanded its production capacity. EDF holds a 35% stake in Trimet France SAS. In addition to the aluminium smelter, Trimet operates a casthouse in Castelsarrasin, France, producing various value-added aluminium products for applications in the energy and automotive industries.

About EDF
EDF Group is a leading global energy company engaged in all aspects of the energy transition, including generation, transmission, distribution, energy trading, and energy services. The company is a world leader in low-carbon energy, with a diverse production mix centered around nuclear and renewable energy, including hydropower. EDF is committed to building a net-zero energy future by providing electricity, innovative solutions, and services to drive well-being, economic development, and environmental sustainability. The Group serves approximately 40.3 million customers worldwide and generated consolidated sales of €143.5 billion in 2022.

About Trimet
Trimet is an innovative, family-owned company that specializes in the development, production, recycling, casting, and sale of modern lightweight aluminium products. With eight locations across Germany and France, Trimet is the largest aluminium producer in the European Union. With over 2,400 employees, Trimet collaborates with its customers to make cars more fuel-efficient, airplanes lighter, wind turbines and power plants more efficient, buildings more modern, and packaging more ecological. The company is committed to sustainability and follows the United Nations’ 17 sustainable development goals in its production processes and business activities. Trimet’s French production sites in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and Castelsarrasin have been certified according to the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) Performance Standard, meeting global requirements for sustainable aluminium production.

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SOURCE: EDF