EDF and TRIMET sign long-term contract for electricity supply

26.06.2023

Energy supplier EDF and aluminium producer TRIMET signed a new contract on 26 June for electricity supply used to produce primary aluminum in France. The agreement extends the cooperation that has existed between both partners since 2013. The contract secures the energy supply for the aluminium smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne for a total of up to 22TWh over up to ten years. It includes flexible components to provide a balanced share of risks and benefits.

Aluminium is a global commodity. It is produced using an electrochemical process that requires important volumes of electricity. Energy is a major cost factor in the aluminium production.

"The agreement shows how a good partnership proves its worth in challenging times. The agreement gives us the necessary planning security and ensures that this strategic metal is produced where it is needed," says Philipp Schlüter, President of TRIMET France SAS. "Aluminium is the metal for the green transformation. TRIMET can now start ramping up its production of low carbon aluminium. In doing so, we are consistently following our goal of climate-neutral aluminium production."

“EDF is proud to renew its partnership with TRIMET: EDF has contributed for 10 years, alongside the TRIMET Group, to maintaining this major aluminium producer on French soil and continues to support, within this new electricity supply contract, this activity for up to 10 years,” says Luc Rémont, Chairman and CEO of EDF. “EDF wishes to accompany the decarbonization ambitions of large industrial consumers of electricity in France and to support them in a competitive and sustainable way within long-term contracts in order to give them an additional lever of performance and the visibility needed for their investments.”

The aluminium smelter with adjoining casthouse produces around 150,000 tonnes of aluminium annually with around 600 employees. TRIMET took over the tradition-rich plant in 2013 and has continuously expanded production capacity. EDF holds a 35% stake in TRIMET France SAS. In addition to the aluminium smelter, the company operates a casthouse in Castelsarrasin. In France, TRIMET produces various value-added products including high-quality aluminium wire rod for electrical and mechanical applications, which is processed into cables and connecting elements for the energy and automotive industries.