France

French group Air Liquide strengthens its presence in Asia with the acquisition of South Korean DIG Airgas, a key player in industrial gases, in a strategic €2.85 billion deal.
Driven by grid flexibility demand and utility investments, the global containerized BESS market will grow at an annual rate of 20.9% through 2030.

France: the government asks EDF to reassess the sale of its subsidiary Exaion

The Ministry of Economy has asked EDF to reconsider the majority sale agreement of its technology subsidiary Exaion to the American group Mara, amid concerns related to technological sovereignty.
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The European Union’s regulatory framework mandates green hydrogen integration in refineries, generating projected demand of 0.5 million tonnes by 2030.
Developer Qair secures a loan from the Facility for Energy Inclusion to build a 5.8 MWp floating photovoltaic solar plant in Providence Lagoon, the first utility-scale project of its kind in Seychelles.

Masdar completes financing for the 2 GW Al Sadawi solar project in Saudi Arabia

The consortium led by Masdar has secured approximately $1.1 billion in financing to build one of the world’s largest solar power plants in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province.
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Energiekontor launches a €15 million corporate bond at 5.5% over eight years, intended to finance wind and solar projects in Germany, the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal.
With an annual growth rate estimated at 10.11%, the global aviation fuel market could reach USD 751 billion by 2032, driven by increasing air traffic and new industrial partnerships.

Petrobras negotiates to increase capacity of three FPSOs in Brazil

Petrobras is holding talks with SBM Offshore and Modec to raise output from three strategic FPSOs, two already at full capacity, to capture more value from the high-potential pre-salt fields.
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SNF acquires Obsidian Chemical Solutions, a Texas-based SME specialized in chemical solutions for well completion. Transaction amount and conditions undisclosed, but the acquisition comes in a growing North American market.
Equinix signed a preorder for 20 Kaleidos nuclear microreactors and a letter of intent for a power purchase agreement with ULC-Energy, reinforcing its energy supply strategy for its data centers.

China rejects European threat to reinstate sanctions against Iran

Beijing opposes the possible return of European trio sanctions against Iran, as the nuclear deal deadline approaches and diplomatic tensions rise around Tehran.
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The Manah-1 solar project in Oman, with a capacity of 500 MW, was delivered by Shanghai Electric and has recorded a stable first month of operation, strengthening industrial and technical cooperation with Électricité de France.
MARA strengthens its presence in digital infrastructure by acquiring a majority stake in Exaion, a French provider of secure high-performance cloud services backed by EDF Pulse Ventures.

Melvan secures €4.26mn for three photovoltaic projects in France

Melvan obtains €4.26mn in bank financing to develop three solar power plants totalling 3.9 MWp, with construction scheduled to start in the second half of 2025.
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International Petroleum Corporation repurchased 98,900 common shares between August 4 and 8, 2025, as part of its ongoing share buyback programme.
Vantage Drilling has sold the Tungsten Explorer drilling vessel to a joint venture with TotalEnergies, while retaining its operational management for a minimum period of ten years.

Gravelines’ six reactors shut down after massive jellyfish invasion

The Gravelines nuclear power plant, the largest in Western Europe, halted all production after its cooling systems were obstructed by an unexpected influx of jellyfish. EDF plans a gradual restart in the coming days.
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Entech will deliver a 20 MWh battery storage system in Loire-Atlantique under an agreement that includes a twenty-year maintenance contract.
A senior official from the UN agency begins technical discussions with Iran on Monday, the first meeting since June strikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The administrative court of Melun ordered the prefecture to regularize the order authorizing oil drilling at the Nonville concession, deemed illegal on several points, awaiting a final decision in ten months.
Since the startup of the Flamanville EPR reactor in May 2024, nearly 50 significant events have been reported by the ASN, with no impact on safety or the environment. These anomalies are mainly related to human factors and team coordination.

Fraud and Counterfeiting: The French Nuclear Industry Under Increased Surveillance

In 2024, the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) handled 71 reports of irregularities in the nuclear industry, compared to 43 in 2023. This marked increase is seen as a sign of stronger oversight and better alert reporting by operators.
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EDF Renewables' subsidiary will fund the restoration of a dry forest in Guadeloupe following uncontrolled land clearing at a wind farm site. This alternative to legal proceedings has been approved by local authorities.
Getlink's revenue fell by 12% in 2024, impacted by challenges with ElecLink and a tough economic environment, despite growth in some of its rail activities.

The hydrogen sector slowed by financial and strategic uncertainties

Despite growing demand and strategic industrial opportunities, the hydrogen sector is hindered by financial difficulties and structural uncertainties.
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Naarea and Phoenix Manufacture are combining their expertise to develop the industrial production of the XAMR, a promising molten salt microreactor. This strategic partnership integrates innovation, 3D printing, and sustainability to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.
Bihor County in Romania accelerates geothermal energy integration into its energy economy. With over €45 million invested, mostly funded by the European Union, the region highlights the growing profitability of this resource.

A Strategic Alliance for Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Haffner Energy, LanzaTech, and LanzaJet

Three leaders in energy innovation—Haffner Energy, LanzaTech, and LanzaJet—join forces to develop joint Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) projects, combining cutting-edge technologies and global expertise.
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Kazakhstan begins shale oil production in 2025, marking a new step in its economic strategy amidst growth challenges and energy dependency.
After years of financial losses and failed negotiations for a buyer, EDF Renewables confirmed the closure of Photowatt, marking a turning point in the French photovoltaic sector.

France: The Constitutional Council Rejects Adjustments to EDF Contracts

The Constitutional Council censored a retroactive measure aimed at modifying contracts between EDF and renewable energy producers, citing a disproportionate infringement on contractual rights.
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Stricter environmental score criteria are imposing strategic changes on manufacturers, favoring local production and redefining the dynamics of the electric vehicle market in Europe.
ExxonMobil and Qatar Energy begin a strategic drilling operation off the coast of Cyprus, targeting new natural gas deposits. This initiative reflects the European Union's quest to diversify its energy supply sources.

Europe Falling Behind on Its Own Hydrogen Objectives for 2030

Despite strong ambitions for renewable hydrogen, Europe is struggling to align its national and industrial efforts, with only 2% of projects surpassing the feasibility stage, according to a report by EY.
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HoloSolis secures the necessary authorizations to build a photovoltaic factory in Hambach, scheduled for 2026, with an €850 million investment and an annual capacity of 5 Gigawatts.
In Davos, Patrick Pouyanné, CEO of TotalEnergies, highlighted the challenges faced by the European green industry amid Chinese and U.S. competition, urging the EU to adjust its policies to support investments.

Orano concludes a strategic mining pact in Mongolia

The French group Orano (formerly Areva) has signed a crucial agreement in Mongolia for the exploitation of a vast uranium deposit. This initiative involves a major investment and arouses the interest of observers, both for supply security and industrial implications.
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Vinci calls for private funding to speed up EPR reactors
The new nuclear safety authority reaffirms transparency
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