NEXANS FRANCE

Their core work

Nexans France is a major global cable manufacturer headquartered in Courbevoie, specializing in power cables, aerospace wiring systems, and advanced insulation materials. Within H2020, they contribute industrial cable engineering expertise to projects spanning nuclear power plant cable safety, high-voltage aerospace systems, composite power infrastructure, and nanocomposite insulation for renewable energy integration. Their role is consistently that of a large industrial partner bringing real-world cable manufacturing knowledge and testing capabilities to research consortia.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2017–2018, Nexans focused on cable material science fundamentals — polymer ageing, multi-scale physics modelling, non-destructive testing, and nanocomposite insulation development. From 2019 onward, their work shifted toward integrated systems: aerospace wiring, composite pylons, and smart cables with embedded sensors and fiber optics for health monitoring. The trajectory moves clearly from materials research toward intelligent, application-ready cable systems with built-in diagnostics.

Nexans is moving from passive cable manufacturing toward intelligent cable systems with embedded monitoring — expect future interest in digital twins, predictive maintenance, and sensor-integrated wiring.

How they like to work

Nexans participates exclusively as a partner, never coordinating — consistent with a large industrial company contributing domain expertise rather than managing research agendas. With 40 unique partners across 13 countries in just 5 projects, they work in sizeable consortia and bring manufacturing-scale credibility. They are a reliable industrial anchor partner rather than a research driver.

Nexans has built a broad European network of 40 partners across 13 countries through 5 projects, reflecting the multi-national nature of aerospace and energy infrastructure consortia. Their reach spans well beyond France, with significant engagement in transport and manufacturing-focused partnerships.

What sets them apart

Nexans brings something rare to research consortia: the perspective and testing infrastructure of a world-leading cable manufacturer. While many partners contribute academic modelling or small-scale prototypes, Nexans can validate results against industrial-scale production realities. For any project involving cables, wiring, or power transmission — whether in nuclear, aerospace, or grid infrastructure — they offer a direct path from research to market deployment.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GRIDABLE
  Largest EC contribution (EUR 785,000) — developed nanocomposite insulation critical for integrating renewables and DC storage into power grids.
• SEWIS
  Most recent project combining fiber optics, sensors, and health monitoring for aerospace wiring — signals their move toward smart cable systems.
• TeaM Cables
  Addressed the critical safety challenge of cable ageing in nuclear power plants using multi-scale physics and non-destructive techniques.