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.

BayWa r.e. sells 46 MW floating solar project in the Netherlands

BayWa r.e. has finalised the sale of a 46 MW floating solar park, the country’s largest, to a Dutch public-local consortium, marking a new step in the decentralised structuring of the solar market in the Netherlands.

Gasunie and Thyssengas to link Dutch and German hydrogen networks

Gasunie and Thyssengas have signed an agreement to convert existing gas pipelines into hydrogen conduits between the Netherlands and Germany, facilitating integration of Dutch ports with German industrial regions.
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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.

50Hertz plans 30 GW of new electrical interconnections by 2029

German grid operator 50Hertz commits to nearly 30 GW of new connection capacity by 2029, amid network saturation and calls for reforming access procedures.

Germany grants $24.3 million to Nigeria to accelerate its energy transition

Berlin strengthens its cooperation with Abuja through funding aimed at supporting Nigeria’s energy diversification and consolidating its renewable infrastructure.
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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.

Fusion Fuel Cycles joint venture begins construction of UNITY-2 test facility

Fusion Fuel Cycles has begun work on its UNITY-2 facility, a unique test bench designed to validate the full tritium fuel cycle under fusion conditions, marking a key step toward fusion energy.

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.

Q ENERGY commissions new 26 MW wind farm in Haute-Marne

Developer Q ENERGY has inaugurated a seventh wind farm in Biesles, Haute-Marne, with Velto Renewables acquiring a 50% ownership stake.
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Wind fisher launches first Magnus-effect wind turbine to harness high-altitude winds

French start-up Wind fisher unveils a pioneering airborne wind system capable of producing twice as much electricity as a ground-based turbine by tapping into powerful winds above 300 metres.

Lhyfe to deliver 90 tonnes of RFNBO hydrogen to a German operator over 15 months

French hydrogen producer Lhyfe has signed an agreement to supply 90 tonnes of RFNBO-certified hydrogen to a private fuel station operator in Germany for a fleet of buses.

Schneider Electric posts record half-year results driven by data centre demand

Schneider Electric’s revenue reached EUR19.3bn in the first half, supported by strong data centre activity and growth across all its main markets.

Element 2 entrusts HRS with a new mobile hydrogen station for the Glasgow region

Element 2 strengthens its partnership with HRS to install a mobile hydrogen station in Glasgow, as part of its expansion strategy for its refuelling network in the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Russia advances its position on uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger

The Russian Minister of Energy announces strengthened cooperation in uranium and civil nuclear energy in Niger, reinforcing Russia's economic presence in a key sector following the withdrawal of several Western players.
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Global electricity demand set for robust growth until 2026 despite economic pressures

Global electricity demand is projected to grow steadily through 2026, driven by industrial expansion, data centres, electric mobility and air conditioning, with increasing contributions from renewables, natural gas and nuclear power.

Allianz anticipates a hydrogen insurance market exceeding USD3bn by 2030

Global hydrogen development, supported by more than 1,500 ongoing projects and significant investments, is driving strong demand for insurance coverage, with potential estimated at over USD3bn in annual premiums by 2030.

Nexans doubles its half-year net profit driven by electrification demand

Nexans reports a 113% increase in net profit for the first half, supported by the growth of its electrification activities and the upward revision of its financial targets for the year.
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VALEMO secures technical supervision of the Yeu-Noirmoutier offshore wind farm

VALEMO, the French energy maintenance company, will lead the remote supervision of the Yeu-Noirmoutier offshore wind farm, bringing its expertise to the ongoing management of marine electricity production infrastructure and equipment.

Air Liquide accelerates growth in the first half of 2025 with a record investment backlog

The French group posted higher sales and profitability while setting a new record for its investment backlog, driven by the electronics and energy transition sectors.

European solar growth slows in 2024 but will reach 400 GW in 2025

Europe will see its first slowdown in solar deployment in ten years in 2024, with 64.2 GW expected, but this does not call into question the 400 GW target for 2025 set by the European Commission.
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Bureau Veritas accelerates diversification with three targeted acquisitions in Europe and Asia

Bureau Veritas completes acquisitions in cybersecurity in Denmark, nuclear in Germany, and transition services in South Korea, further strengthening its coverage of strategic high-growth markets.

Air Liquide invests over €500 mn in giant electrolyser in the Netherlands

Air Liquide begins construction of the ELYgator electrolyser in Rotterdam, a 200 MW project, supported by the Dutch government and an investment exceeding €500 mn.

Voltalia secures two EPC contracts for 92.9 megawatts of solar power in Ireland

Voltalia has been selected for the construction of two photovoltaic plants in Ireland, totalling 92.9 megawatts, further strengthening its presence in the country’s solar infrastructure market.
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EU-UK: NESO and ENTSO-E agreement for interconnection and regulation of the electricity grid

The agreement concluded between the National Energy System Operator (NESO) and ENTSO-E marks a new stage in the coordinated management of the electricity interconnection between the United Kingdom and the European Union, integrating shared regulatory and security axes.

KATCO launches production at new uranium site in South Tortkuduk, Kazakhstan

KATCO, a joint venture between Orano and Kazatomprom, has started operations at the South Tortkuduk site, backed by a $190mn investment, targeting a production capacity of 4,000 tonnes per year by 2026.

France: RTE launches public debate over €90 billion grid investment

Réseau de transport d’électricité is planning a long-term modernisation of its infrastructure. A national public debate will begin on September 4 to address implementation methods, challenges and conditions.
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The International Court of Justice opinion increases legal risks for fossil fuel projects

The advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice increases legal exposure for states and companies involved in the licensing or expansion of oil and gas projects, according to several international law experts.

Vallourec sees 64% drop in profit but strengthens operating margin

Despite a sharp decline in sales and prices, Vallourec improved its profitability and issued an upward forecast for its gross operating income in the second half of 2025.

EDF cuts debt and refocuses investments amid declining electricity prices

EDF is reassessing its industrial priorities and streamlining investments, as net profit falls to €5.47bn ($5.94bn) in the first half of 2025 due to a weakening electricity market.
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Mozambique seeks Russian companies’ participation in natural gas development

Mozambique aims to strengthen the presence of Russian companies in natural gas exploration and production as the country looks to diversify its partnerships in the natural resources sector.

Iran welcomes IAEA technical delegation without access to nuclear sites

Tehran agrees to host experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency in the coming weeks, excluding any visit to sensitive sites as diplomatic tensions persist with European nations and the United States.