NKT joins First Movers Coalition to accelerate low-carbon aluminium adoption

NKT has joined the First Movers Coalition (FMC), committing to drive the global development of low carbon aluminium. As part of the FMC aluminium sector, NKT pledges that at least 10% of all primary aluminium procured annually will be low carbon by 2030.

The First Movers Coalition, led by the World Economic Forum, unites leading global companies to support the decarbonisation of industries that are traditionally difficult to abate.

By joining the FMC aluminium sector, NKT commits to ensuring that at least 10% (by volume) of all primary aluminium purchased each year will be low-carbon by 2030 in line with the very ambitious emissions threshold outlined in the details of the FMC commitment.

- At NKT, it is a strategic priority to continuously reduce the carbon intensity of our power cables. This supports both our sustainability targets and the decarbonisation ambitions of our customers. Our participation in the First Movers Coalition reinforces this commitment. We are pleased to contribute to the generation of a credible demand signal for emerging climate technologies, thereby helping to accelerate their commercial adoption and support the decarbonisation of some of the world’s most carbon-intensive sectors, says Anthony Abbotts, Vice President and Head of Sustainability at NKT.

- NKT’s decision to join the First Movers Coalition marks a significant step forward in the aluminium industry’s journey toward full value chain decarbonization. This commitment reflects a bold ambition to drive transformative change, and we are inspired by the growing collaboration among industry leaders working together daily to accelerate progress. Through the collective strength of the Coalition, we can amplify our impact and deliver meaningful, lasting results for the sector and beyond, says Noam Boussidan, First Movers Coalition Programme Head, World Economic Forum.

By 2050, 50% of the emissions reductions required to achieve net zero are expected to originate from technologies that are not yet available at scale. Establishing early market demand for these technologies by 2030 will be essential to catalyse their commercial adoption.

From ambition to practical reality

In April 2025, NKT signed a landmark supply agreement with Hydro, the Norwegian aluminium and energy company, to secure a long-term supply of low-carbon aluminium wire rod through to 2033.

- The agreement with Hydro plays a crucial role in NKT’s ongoing decarbonisation efforts, enabling the production of cable solutions with a significantly lower carbon footprint. It also supports the adoption of climate-critical technologies within our sector, helping to bridge the gap between technical innovation and real-world implementation. To succeed, we must turn ambition into practical reality, says Anthony Abbotts.

The agreement ensures that NKT will have access to Hydro’s REDUXA 4.0, primary aluminium, produced in Norway with renewable energy. It has a documented carbon footprint of 4 kg CO2e per kilo aluminium or less, about a quarter of the world industry average.

Hydro aims to reduce the carbon footprint by a further 25% by 2030, with NKT having first rights to Hydro’s REDUXA 3.0 primary aluminium wire rod. 

Aluminium is a critical component in medium- and high-voltage power cables, which are essential for Europe’s ongoing energy transition. As society continues to electrify and renewable energy sources become more prevalent, power grids across Europe are undergoing significant upgrades.

About NKT
NKT connects a greener world with high-quality power cable technology and takes centre stage as the world moves towards green energy. NKT designs, manufactures and installs low-, medium- and high-voltage power cable solutions enabling sustainable energy transmission. Since 1891, NKT has innovated the power cable technology building the infrastructure for the first light bulbs to the megawatts created by renewable energy today. NKT is headquartered in Denmark and employs 6,000 people. NKT is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen and realised a revenue of EUR 3.3 billion in 2024. NKT - We connect a greener world. www.NKT.com.

Contact
Christoffer Hellmann, Lead Communications Advisor

+45 2529 1784 / [email protected]