Rio Tinto has partnered with cable solution provider Prysmian to build a North American supply chain for materials needed to expand power grids and the overall global energy transition.
The agreement between the two companies spans five years and concerns the supply of low-carbon aluminium that will be made with renewable hydropower from Rio Tinto’s Canadian operations.
“We are proud to work together with Prysmian to strengthen their North American supply chain for aluminium produced to the highest sustainability standards and develop the materials needed to produce more advanced power cables,” Rio Tinto vice president of aluminium sales Amy Abraham said.
“These types of products are critical for the power grid expansion that is needed for the transition to renewable energy sources and a low carbon future.”
This partnership will help Rio Tinto achieve its goal to reach net-zero by 2050 and achieve overall greater sustainability, as well as support Prysmian’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
“It is an exciting time to work with Rio Tinto and source this green aluminium that will guide us towards a more sustainable value chain for cable production,” Prysmian Group North America chief executive officer Andrea Pirondini said.
“At Prysmian, we prioritise collaboration with our customers and suppliers as we steer North America towards a greener future, leading in the sustainable energy transition. With strategic partners such as Rio Tinto, Prysmian is committed to achieving net-zero emissions across our entire value chain by 2050.”
To coincide with their supply agreement, Rio Tinto and Prysmian have also signed a joint development agreement that is intended to leverage the technologies, research and development capabilities, and technical expertise they collaborate on to develop solutions to support North America’s growing electrification demand.
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