France

France slows emissions reduction with only 0.8% drop expected in 2025

Citepa projections confirm a marked slowdown in France's climate trajectory, with emissions reductions well below targets set in the national low-carbon strategy.

France launches public debate on radioactive waste management until February

A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.

Engie and Masdar secure 1.5 GW solar project in Abu Dhabi

The consortium led by Engie and Masdar has been selected to develop a 1.5 GW photovoltaic plant in Abu Dhabi, aimed at expanding the emirate’s solar capacity under its long-term energy strategy.
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EBRD and Qair in talks for €19mn financing of 100 MW solar plant in Gafsa

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development is reviewing a loan for a 100 MW photovoltaic project led by Qair in Tunisia, backed by a long-term power purchase agreement with the national utility.

Gauss Fusion unveils Europe’s first industrial design for a fusion power plant

Gauss Fusion has released a full-scale plan for GIGA, its first commercial fusion power plant, amid Germany’s growing ambition to lead the future energy race.

Bercy veto blocks ABB’s attempt to acquire Legrand

ABB made several attempts to acquire Legrand, but the French government opposed the deal, citing strategic concerns linked to data centres.
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Launch of a €400,000 local fundraising campaign for a wind farm in Brittany

Wpd launches a crowdfunding campaign to support the construction of the Bréhand wind farm, aiming to raise €400,000 from residents with a fixed annual interest rate of 7%.

CVE installs 140 kWc agrivoltaic demonstrator on cattle farm

French independent producer CVE has commissioned an agrivoltaic pilot project in Haute-Loire, aiming to test solar panel integration on a cattle farm ahead of a future 12 MWc installation.

EDF lowers expected output of Flamanville EPR to 1,585 MW

EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
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French electricity pricing reform raises concerns over increased consumer exposure

A parliamentary report questions the 2026 electricity pricing reform, warning of increased market exposure for households and a redistribution mechanism lacking clarity.

Air Liquide invests $50mn to expand its hydrogen network in Texas

Air Liquide announces a $50mn investment to strengthen its hydrogen network on the US Gulf Coast, following long-term contracts signed with two major American refiners.

Brussels moves forward with plan to eliminate Russian oil and gas imports by 2028

Ambassadors of European Union member states have approved the transmission of a legislative proposal to phase out Russian fossil fuel imports by January 2028 to the Council of Ministers.
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France blocks Aquind’s €1.4bn power link project across the Channel

The Seine-Maritime prefecture denies Aquind access to public maritime domain, halting a €1.4bn ($1.47bn) Franco-British power interconnection project.

Denmark strengthens maritime controls at Skagen Strait amid Russian shadow fleet activity

Denmark is intensifying inspections of ships passing through Skagen, a strategic point linking the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, to counter the risks posed by the Russian shadow fleet transporting sanctioned oil.

TotalEnergies appoints Nicola Mavilla as global head of exploration

Nicola Mavilla succeeds Kevin McLachlan as TotalEnergies' Director of Exploration, bringing over two decades of international experience in the oil and gas industry.
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VSB France launches 39.9 MW wind farm in Calvados

VSB France begins construction of its largest onshore wind project, a strategic 39.9 MW investment across two municipalities in Calvados, with commissioning scheduled for 2027.

TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires launch a platform to equip local authorities

TotalEnergies and Banque des Territoires create a joint venture to accelerate the rollout of public electric charging infrastructure in French municipalities, with a focus on urban and suburban areas.

Lesaffre harnesses waste heat to strengthen its industrial energy autonomy

Lesaffre and ENGIE Solutions have inaugurated a waste heat recovery unit in Marcq-en-Barœul, covering 70% of the site's thermal needs through two industrial heat pumps.
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EDF power solutions commissions 30 MW biomass plant in Colombia

EDF power solutions and Refocosta have inaugurated Colombia’s largest wood biomass power plant in Villanueva, with 30 MW of capacity and an annual output of 200 GWh injected into the national grid.

France: Dalkia invests EUR18mn to expand Paris-Vallée de la Marne geothermal network

Dalkia and Paris-Vallée de la Marne launch a project to upgrade the GEOVAL network, aiming to deliver 20 GWh annually with 90% decarbonised energy.

French regulator lowers pace of renewable energy development

The French Energy Regulatory Commission proposes reducing certain renewable generation targets due to a slower-than-expected rise in electricity demand.

TotalEnergies posts 33% drop in net profit in first quarter

TotalEnergies saw its net profit fall to $3.9bn in the first quarter, impacted by lower oil prices, despite an increase in its hydrocarbon and electricity production.

Bernard Fontana confirmed as head of EDF to lead nuclear revival

The French Parliament has approved Bernard Fontana's appointment as CEO of EDF, paving the way for a new industrial phase in the nuclear sector under close scrutiny from public and industrial stakeholders.
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Exeltium resumes negotiations with EDF to secure power supply agreement

The Exeltium consortium, composed of 24 electro-intensive industrial firms, seeks to finalise a new power supply deal with EDF before summer to succeed the original Exeltium 1 agreement.

Bernard Fontana sets his priorities to reposition EDF in the French energy landscape

Nominated to lead EDF, Bernard Fontana aims to restore dialogue with electro-intensive industries and oversee the nuclear revival while ensuring the group’s financial sustainability.

BPCE ranked last among French banks for its carbon strategy

The NGO Reclaim Finance ranked BPCE last among twenty major European banks for its lack of commitment to the transition towards carbon neutrality, according to a study published on Tuesday.
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EDF faces £46bn financial burden on Hinkley Point nuclear project

Two French MPs have raised concerns over the massive cost overruns of the Hinkley Point nuclear project, describing it as a “financial sinkhole” for EDF, now fully owned by the State.

LG Energy Solution and Derichebourg create a recycling joint venture in France

South Korean battery manufacturer LG Energy Solution and French group Derichebourg announced the creation of a joint venture to build a recycling plant near Paris, with a processing capacity of 20,000 tonnes per year.

France: Bayrou delays publication of energy decree amid political pressure

François Bayrou plans to postpone the publication of the French energy decree until the end of the summer after parliamentary review, under pressure from the Rassemblement National and part of the right.
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Czech Republic rejects EDF’s appeal over Dukovany nuclear market

The Czech competition regulator has dismissed EDF’s appeal, confirming the selection of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power for the construction of new nuclear capacity at Dukovany.

The wind shifts: Chinese OEMs struggle to gain traction in the European market

Despite turbines priced 30 to 40% lower, Chinese manufacturers struggle to overcome credibility barriers hindering their progress in the European wind sector.

Flamanville’s EPR briefly shut down before resuming power ramp-up

Flamanville’s EPR nuclear reactor experienced a temporary shutdown on Friday and Saturday, without affecting its ramp-up schedule, EDF confirmed.
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Electric relay stations inaugurated between Avignon and Lille for road transport

Sanef, Engie and Ceva Logistics have launched in France a first corridor for electric trucks, structured like modern postal relays, aiming to improve the efficiency of long-distance transport.

CEA and CNRS launch €50mn programme for superconductors

CEA and CNRS deploy SupraFusion, a project funded by France 2030, to develop high-temperature superconductors for nuclear fusion and industrial applications.

Enedis strengthens internal procedures after new corruption allegations

Electricity network operator Enedis has initiated disciplinary proceedings against nine employees and filed a new complaint with the National Financial Prosecutor's Office amid an investigation into false invoicing.
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France seeks to create a China-EU duo to offset US withdrawal

France proposes a stronger alliance between the European Union and China to counter the absence of the United States in the fight against climate change, with a summit scheduled for July 2025.

Energy stakeholders call for acceleration of electrification in France

As a parliamentary debate approaches, twenty energy organizations urge lawmakers to act to reduce France's reliance on fossil fuels by accelerating the electrification of uses.

Tesla sales drop by 36% in the EU in March

Tesla sales saw a significant drop in March, with a 36% decrease compared to the previous year, according to data from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association. The brand faces increased competition and the consequences of its image.
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Air Liquide forecasts limited impact from tariff increases on its results

Air Liquide anticipates a limited direct impact from global tariff hikes, while expecting an increase in its operational margin for 2025, despite weak demand in certain industrial sectors.

Getlink announces a 17% decline in revenue for Q1 2025

Channel Tunnel operator Getlink reported a 17% drop in its revenue for Q1 2025, primarily due to the interruption of its ElecLink cross-Channel cable, and maintains its targets for the year.