Paris/Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne, 26 June 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 in the amount of 22TWh in total for 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 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.
About EDF
As a major player in energy transition, the EDF Group is an integrated energy company active in all businesses: generation, transmission, distribution, energy trading, energy sales and energy services. EDF group is a world leader in low-carbon energy, having developed a diverse production mix based mainly on nuclear and renewable energy (including hydropower). It is also investing in new technologies to support energy transition. EDF’s raison d’être is to build a net zero energy future with electricity and innovative solutions and services, to help save the planet and drive well-being and economic development. The Group is involved in supplying energy and services to approximately 40.3 million customers (1), of whom 30.3 million in France (2). It generated consolidated sales of €143.5 billion in 2022.
(1) Since 2018, customers are counted per delivery site. A customer can have two delivery points: one for electricity and another one for gas.
(2) Including ÉS (Électricité de Strasbourg) and SEI.
About Trimet
As an innovative, medium-sized, family-owned company, Trimet develops, produces, recycles, casts, and sells modern light-metal products made of aluminium. With its 8 locations across Germany and France, Trimet is the largest Aluminium producer in the European Union. Together with our customers, more than 2,400 employees ensure that cars are more economical, airplanes are lighter, wind turbines and power plants are more efficient, buildings are more modern and packaging is more ecological. Trimet is well aware of its responsibility towards society and the environment. The company plays its part in creating an economy that is fit for the future. Its production processes and business activities follow the principle of sustainability as laid down by the United Nations in its 17 sustainable development goals. For example, the two French Trimet production sites have been certified according to the Performance Standard of the Aluminium Stewardship Initiative (ASI) in April 2022. This means that the aluminum smelter in Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne and the foundry in Castelsarrasin meet the globally applicable requirements for sustainable aluminum production.