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.
en_114018191239540

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.
en_114018191233540

Plug Power installs 5 MW electrolyzer in Namibia for integrated hydrogen hub

Plug Power has completed the installation of a 5 MW PEM electrolyzer for Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, marking the launch of Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen production and distribution site.

California Resources finalises asset transfer with Berry Corporation for $253mn

California Resources Corporation completed an all-stock asset transfer with Berry Corporation, strengthening its oil portfolio in California and adding strategic exposure in the Uinta Basin.

Gevo receives “A” rating for North Dakota site from BeZero Carbon

Gevo receives high-quality assessment for its carbon capture credits in North Dakota, strengthening the commercial value of its certificates in the voluntary carbon markets.
en_114018191229540

esVolta transfers Black Walnut project tax credit to Computacenter

esVolta finalises investment tax credit transfer for its Black Walnut storage project to Computacenter, marking a first-of-its-kind operation within its California energy portfolio.

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.

JA Solar and Trinasolar Lead a Global Solar Market in Crisis

JA Solar and Trinasolar top Wood Mackenzie’s latest semiannual ranking despite a sector-wide net loss of $2.2 billion. Industrial leaders are strengthening their grip on global photovoltaic module supply through rigorous financial discipline.
en_114018181258540

Peregrine launches 500 MWh storage project near Dallas with Wärtsilä and WHC

Peregrine Energy Solutions has begun construction on a 500 MWh storage project in Texas, relying on Wärtsilä's technology and WHC's engineering expertise to enhance ERCOT grid flexibility.

Israel seals a €30 billion gas contract with Egypt

An agreement announced on December 17, 2025 provides for twenty years of deliveries through 2040. The package amounts to 112 billion new Israeli shekels (Israeli shekels) (NIS), with flows intended to support Egyptian gas supply and Israeli public revenues.

Meg O’Neill takes over BP to refocus the group on hydrocarbons

British company BP appoints Meg O'Neill as CEO to lead its strategic refocus on fossil fuels, following the abandonment of its climate ambitions and the early departure of Murray Auchincloss.
en_114018181250540

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.

Venezuelan oil: Caracas maintains exports despite US naval blockade

The Venezuelan national oil company has confirmed the continuity of its crude exports, as the United States enforces a maritime blockade targeting sanctioned vessels operating around the country.

Baker Hughes signs multi-year contract to equip Kuwait’s oilfields

Baker Hughes will supply advanced artificial lift systems to Kuwait Oil Company to enhance production through integrated digital technologies.
en_114017181232540

Future Fund Oman engage $1.2bn pour accélérer 141 projets énergétiques et industriels

Le fonds souverain omanais a validé 141 projets en 2025 pour un engagement total de $1.2bn, visant à renforcer l’indépendance énergétique et l’industrialisation nationale à travers un programme d’investissement de $5.2bn.

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.

Nano Nuclear begins drilling work for its KRONOS MMR™ microreactor

Nano Nuclear and the University of Illinois will begin drilling operations for the KRONOS MMR™ reactor on October 24, marking a key step toward commercialisation of the nuclear project on the Urbana-Champaign campus.

Geronimo Power launches $54mn, 150 MW solar construction project in Illinois

Geronimo Power has started construction of the Bee Hollow solar project, valued at $54mn, in St. Clair County, delivering jobs, tax revenue and a partnership with the IMEA municipal agency.

Calpine secures Texas Energy Fund loan for 460 MW peaking power plant

Calpine Corporation has finalised a public funding agreement to accelerate the construction of a peaking power plant in Freestone County, strengthening Texas’s grid response capacity during peak demand periods.
en_1140141053540

Greenflash acquires 200 MW battery storage project in Texas

Greenflash Infrastructure has finalised the acquisition of Rock Rose, a 200 MW energy storage project located in Fort Bend County, to strengthen its ERCOT market portfolio.

Natura Resources to deploy the first Gen IV nuclear reactor in the United States by 2026

Natura Resources is finalising construction of the MSR-1, an advanced liquid-fuel nuclear reactor, with a planned launch in 2026 on the Abilene Christian University campus.

JPMorganChase mobilises $1.5tn to support nuclear energy and critical supply chains

JPMorganChase commits $10bn in direct investments as part of a $1.5tn plan to boost energy independence and strategic technologies, including next-generation nuclear power.
en_1140141062540

RWE allocates €120,000 to eight local projects in France through its wind fund

Eight local associations in Normandy and Hauts-de-France will receive a total of €120,000, financed by revenues from three RWE wind farms, to support public-impact projects in 2025.

Ukraine prepares legal framework to accelerate small modular reactor deployment

A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.

John Cockerill and Axens deploy NesaBTF to industrialise residue torrefaction

John Cockerill and Axens launch NesaBTF, an industrial torrefaction technology designed to optimise biomass supply, with targeted ambitions in the growing sustainable aviation fuel market.
en_1140141032540

EDF raises nuclear forecast to 375 TWh driven by industrial plan

EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.

France: wpd begins construction of 140.6MWc solar park with agricultural co-activity in Marcy

wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.

CVE commissions 12 MWc solar farm on industrial brownfield site in Volx

Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
en_1140141055540

Fuel consumption in France rises despite overall oil downturn

In September 2025, French road fuel consumption rose by 3%, driven by a rebound in unleaded fuels, while overall energy petroleum product consumption fell by 1.8% year-on-year.

France urged to double renewable capacity to ensure energy autonomy

The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.

GreenYellow takes control of 18 rooftop solar plants in Réunion in strategic deal

GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
en_1140141049540

Agri-voltaics attract energy developers amid rural land tensions

The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.

French government plans to end tax benefits on B100 and E85 biofuels

The 2026 draft budget proposes eliminating tax incentives for B100 and E85 fuels, prompting opposition from agricultural unions concerned about the economic impact on the biofuel sector.

European airlines pressure Brussels over shortage of sustainable fuels

Airlines for Europe warns of insufficient sustainable fuel production in Europe and requests a delay in regulatory obligations if the European Commission does not act swiftly.
en_1140141036540

Enagás in talks to acquire GIC’s stake in French gas transporter Terega

Spanish gas infrastructure operator Enagás is in advanced talks to acquire the 32% stake held by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC in Terega, valued at around €600mn ($633mn), according to sources familiar with the matter.

Japanese LNG buyers accelerate flexible trading amid falling domestic demand

Faced with declining domestic consumption, Japanese liquefied natural gas (LNG) importers are ramping up commercial optimisation strategies and favouring shorter contracts to protect profitability.