France

Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor

French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.

EDF raises cost estimate for six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion

French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.

France postpones publication of energy roadmap to 2026

The government has postponed the release of the new Multiannual Energy Programme to early 2026, delayed by political tensions over the balance between nuclear and renewables.
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France: the Council of State bans coalbed methane exploitation in Lorraine

The Council of State has cancelled the authorisation to exploit coalbed methane in Lorraine, citing risks to the region's main aquifer and bringing an end to a legal battle that began over a decade ago.

Technique Solaire secures €40mn junior debt to support 392 MWp in projects

Technique Solaire has secured €40mn ($43.5mn) in junior debt from BNP Paribas Asset Management to structure two solar portfolios totalling 392 MWp across France, Spain and the Netherlands.

Neoen wins 124 MWp in solar projects in latest French government tender

Independent power producer Neoen has secured six agrivoltaic projects totalling 124 MWp, reinforcing its position as the leading winner in French solar tenders since 2021.
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TOPCon 4.0 vs HJT: the financial trade-off in the solar sector in 2026

As the photovoltaic industry enters a phase of deep restructuring, the duel between TOPCon 4.0 and heterojunction technologies is redefining manufacturers’ margins. In 2026, reducing production costs becomes the primary strategic lever for global market leaders.

Dalkia wins €15bn contract to manage Paris heating network until 2050

The Paris Council awards a €15bn, 25-year contract to Dalkia, a subsidiary of EDF, to operate the capital’s heating network, replacing long-time operator Engie amid political tensions ahead of municipal elections.

Holtec and MVM join forces to deploy small nuclear reactors in Hungary

US-based Holtec has signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary’s energy group MVM to assess the deployment of its SMR-300 technology, strengthening bilateral nuclear cooperation and opening prospects for a new market in Central Europe.
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Cadeler secures two offshore contracts worth €500mn in wind energy

Danish group Cadeler has signed two contracts for the transport and installation of offshore wind turbine foundations and units worth a combined €500mn, subject to a final investment decision by the client.

GreenH secures investment for three green hydrogen plants in Norway

GreenH launches construction of three green hydrogen projects in Bodø, Kristiansund and Slagentangen, backed by NOK391mn ($35.86mn) in public funding, aiming to strengthen decarbonised maritime supply along Norway’s coast.

Nel ASA to supply over 20 MW of electrolysers for two GreenH projects in Norway

Nel ASA becomes technology provider for the Enova-supported hydrogen sites in Kristiansund and Slagentangen, with a combined minimum capacity of 20 MW.
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Uniper shuts down Karlshamn-2 after failure of Swedish winter backup scheme

The shutdown of Karlshamn-2 removes 335 MW of heavy fuel oil capacity from southern Sweden, exposing the limits of a strategic reserve model approved but inoperative, and increasing pressure on winter supply security.

Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States

Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.

Sofia secures Lukoil refinery ahead of planned state takeover

The Bulgarian government has increased security around Lukoil’s Burgas refinery ahead of a state-led takeover enabled by new legislation designed to circumvent international sanctions.
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India and Russia strengthen nuclear cooperation with new projects

Russia and India are preparing an expanded agreement for the construction of VVER-1200 reactors and modular nuclear power plants, while accelerating work at the strategic Kudankulam site.

Three U.S. gas basins reshape prices, flows and contracts

Appalachia, Permian and Haynesville each reach the scale of a national producer, anchor the United States’ exportable supply and set regional differentials, LNG arbitrage and compliance constraints across the chain, amid capacity ramp-ups and reinforced sanctions.

Vallourec to deliver over 30,000 tonnes of pipes for TotalEnergies in Iraq

TotalEnergies has tasked Vallourec with supplying tubular solutions for drilling 48 wells as part of its integrated gas project in Iraq, reinforcing their ongoing industrial cooperation on the Ratawi field.
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Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France

Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.

Five companies launch SupraMarine to test offshore superconducting cables

The consortium brings together Air Liquide, RTE, Nexans, ITP Interpipe and CentraleSupélec to develop a demonstrator for offshore electricity transport using superconducting cables cooled with liquid nitrogen.

Yaway opens in France an ultra-fast station directly connected to wind turbines in Breteuil

Yaway, a brand of Kallista Energy, commissions in Breteuil a very high-power charging station directly connected to wind turbines, offering a price of €0.30/kWh ($0.32/kWh) and a maximum power of 400 kW, with no subscription.

ICSID blocks the sale of SOMAÏR uranium by the State of Niger

The ICSID arbitral tribunal ordered Niger to suspend any sale of uranium produced by SOMAÏR, ruling that this material falls under Orano’s contractual rights, amid a dispute with the State that has lasted for several months.

Lhyfe becomes the leading European producer of RFNBO hydrogen by electrolysis

With the certification of three new sites, Lhyfe takes the lead in the European RFNBO hydrogen market, reaching 21 MW of installed capacity across France and Germany.
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Oilfield equipment market to reach $36.87bn by 2031 driven by global demand

Driven by rising global energy consumption and exploration investments, the oilfield service equipment market is expected to grow at a 5.39% CAGR to reach $36.87bn by 2031.

US sanctions against NIS postponed by eight days, says Belgrade

US sanctions against Serbian oil company NIS, owned by Gazprom, were delayed by eight days after talks between Belgrade and Washington, President Aleksandar Vucic said.

Hy2gen secures zoning approval for renewable ammonia plant in Norway

The Sauda municipal council has approved the zoning plan for the Iverson project, paving the way for a 270 MW electrolysis facility powered by hydropower to produce renewable ammonia.
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Framatome and ENEA join forces to develop lunar nuclear reactors

Framatome and Italian agency ENEA have signed an agreement to design nuclear reactors capable of powering future human settlements on the Moon, amid growing European ambitions in space.

U.S. oil drilling rebounds amid global tensions

The number of active drilling rigs in the United States rose for the fourth consecutive week, supported by higher crude prices and OPEC+’s difficulties in meeting production targets.

Putin calls for new financing models for global nuclear energy

At World Atomic Week in Moscow, the Russian president advocated for a reform of civil nuclear funding mechanisms, urging stronger involvement from multilateral financial institutions.
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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.

Iraq resumes oil exports from Kurdistan after two-year suspension

Baghdad has restarted crude shipments from Kurdistan via the pipeline to Turkey, following a two-year halt linked to legal and contractual disputes involving international firms operating in the region.

UN sanctions on Iran reactivated, increased pressure on trade

The activation of the snapback mechanism reinstates all UN sanctions on Iran, directly affecting the defence, financial and maritime trade sectors.
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Ørsted and KOEN join forces for 1.4 GW offshore wind project in Incheon

Ørsted and Korea South-East Power Co. (KOEN) have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore joint development of the 1.4 GW Incheon offshore wind project, located off South Korea’s west coast.

RWE completes foundation installation at Thor offshore wind farm

RWE has finalised the installation of all 72 monopiles at the 1.1 GW Thor offshore wind farm off the Danish coast, marking a key milestone ahead of secondary structure and turbine installation scheduled for 2026.

H2med Alliance expands to 49 members with reinforced political support

Meeting in Berlin, the H2med Alliance formalised the integration of 40 new industrial members and received increased government backing to accelerate the development of Europe's hydrogen corridor.
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United States offers India a way out of Russian oil amid trade tensions

Washington offers New Delhi an alternative to its Russian imports while maintaining tariff pressure, exposing a double standard in US energy policy.

North Atlantic takes over Esso France and its strategic Gravenchon refinery

Canadian group North Atlantic will acquire ExxonMobil’s stake in Esso France, including the country’s second-largest refinery, with the ownership change expected by the end of 2025.

Tehran faces heavy sanctions 48 hours before nuclear deal expiration

Iran has less than two days to avoid the reinstatement of United Nations sanctions, as Europeans and the United States deem its nuclear commitments insufficient.
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TotalEnergies adjusts share buybacks and strengthens employee shareholding for 2026

TotalEnergies’ Board of Directors is adjusting its shareholder return strategy while consolidating its multi-energy growth and employee shareholding plan amid an uncertain energy and geopolitical landscape.

Aker invests $285mn in Nscale and acquires 9.3% equity stake

Aker becomes one of Nscale’s largest shareholders following a $1.1bn funding round, reinforcing its exposure to large-scale artificial intelligence infrastructure.