SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

Bernard Fontana appointed to lead EDF and steer its industrial strategy

The French government has appointed Bernard Fontana to lead EDF, relying on his experience in nuclear energy and energy-intensive industries, amid strategic restructuring and rising tariff pressures.

Share:

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

START NOW — 4.90€/month

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

SUBSCRIBE — 99€/year

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

Sign up for free to unlock this article

The French State has selected Bernard Fontana to succeed Luc Rémont as Chairman of Électricité de France (EDF), a company fully owned by the government. Aged 64, this graduate of École Polytechnique and the École nationale supérieure de techniques avancées (ENSTA) has built his career within energy-intensive industries, which are facing mounting global competition. He is also deeply familiar with the technical and economic issues of nuclear energy, a cornerstone of France’s energy recovery strategy.

A profile shaped in heavy industry

Born in Tamatave, Madagascar, Bernard Fontana began his career in 1987 at the Société nationale des poudres et explosifs (SNPE), which specialises in the propulsion of civilian and military ballistic devices. He rose to the position of Deputy Chief Executive Officer, responsible for the chemical division. From 2004 to 2012, he joined steelmaker ArcelorMittal where he led the human resources division, before assuming the role of CEO of the Swiss cement company Holcim. There, he oversaw the merger with French firm Lafarge—an emblematic operation in the sector.

A central figure in EDF’s nuclear strategy

Since 2015, Bernard Fontana has served as the head of Framatome, EDF’s subsidiary responsible for designing and commissioning nuclear reactors. His tenure focused on the company’s recovery after losses linked to failed investments and the post-Fukushima crisis. In March 2024, during EDF’s nuclear division restructuring, he also took charge of the group’s “Industry and Services” division, becoming a key figure within the evolving industrial apparatus.

A strategic position at the intersection of tariffs and industry

The appointment comes as EDF is engaged in protracted negotiations with industrial clients to establish long-term electricity pricing agreements. Bernard Fontana is well acquainted with the demands of energy-intensive sectors such as steel, chemicals, and construction materials, all exposed to price volatility and extra-European competition. His background may support a closer alignment between national industrial policy and EDF’s energy supply commitments.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
TotalEnergies appoints Nicola Mavilla as global head of exploration
Global renewable capacity set to double by 2030, led by solar power
Africa aims for local transformation to gain weight in the global energy economy
Global green ammonia market to reach $38.5bn by 2033, driven by large-scale projects
Iberdrola adds 708 MW of solar capacity to joint venture with Norges Bank
China’s clean tech exports reach $20bn in August
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
Ukrainian strike cuts power to 5,400 homes in Belgorod region
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
French Academy of Sciences warns of economic risks linked to solar geoengineering
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
Federal shutdown threatens permit delays and energy projects in the United States
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
US energy agencies prepare to suspend operations amid budget deadlock
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
EMBER: Chile could save $15mn annually by reducing renewable energy losses
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Denmark increases energy security after unidentified drone flyovers
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
France: Lecornu rules out a freeze on solar and wind power
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait adds 14 GW of power capacity by 2031 to avoid shortages
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
Ignite Power joins the $270 million Pro Energia+ programme in Mozambique
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
Brussels imposes a new fee system for monitoring energy markets
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
EDF faces €460bn investment programme as Court of Auditors warns the state
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
Washington to return $13bn in unobligated energy transition funds
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Trump threatens IEA with withdrawal if anti-oil stance is not revised
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Southeast Asia’s power demand drives massive integration of solar and wind
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.
France: Emmanuelle Wargon takes the helm of ACER’s Board of Regulators
The President of the Energy Regulatory Commission was elected to the presidency of the Board of Regulators of the Agency for the Cooperation of Energy Regulators for a two-and-a-half-year term.
Australia sets emissions reduction target of 62 to 70% by 2035
The Australian government has announced a new climate target backed by a funding plan, while maintaining its position as a major coal exporter, raising questions about its long-term energy strategy.
India secures a 15-year contract with the Seabed Authority
New 15-year agreement for the exploration of polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean, making India the first country with two licences and the largest allocated perimeter for these deposits.
Argentina puts 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA’s capital up for sale as part of its reform
The Argentine government launches a national and international tender to sell 44% of Nucleo Electrica SA, continuing its policy of economic withdrawal through capital markets.
US greenhouse gas emissions may plateau by 2030
A report by Rhodium Group anticipates stagnation in US emissions, a result of the political shift favouring fossil fuels since Donald Trump returned to office.