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.

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.

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.

Boralex secures 125 MW in France’s PPE2 wind tender

The Canadian energy producer led the tenth wind tender launched by the CRE, with two projects representing 13% of the allocated capacity, strengthening its strategic position in the French market.
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BW Ideol secures up to €74mn for concrete floater plant in Fos-sur-Mer

The European Commission has selected BW Ideol’s Fos3F project for a grant of up to €74mn, targeting the construction of a concrete floater plant for floating wind turbines at the industrial site of Fos-sur-Mer.

Boralex deepens its losses in Q3 despite 7% production increase

Canadian company Boralex reported a net loss of CAD30mn in the third quarter, impacted by lower electricity prices in France and adverse weather conditions in North America.

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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

Netherlands mobilizes €11.4 billion to secure its energy competitiveness

The Dutch government is unlocking €11.4 billion aimed at securing industrial energy supplies, strengthening electricity infrastructure, and accelerating civilian nuclear development, in response to current economic and energy constraints.

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.
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SBM Offshore launches €141 million share repurchase program after completing €130 million one

SBM Offshore announces the launch of its €141 million ($150 million USD) share repurchase program, following the completion of the €130 million program, as part of its strategy to reduce capital and support employee programs.

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.

Verso Energy receives support for its sustainable aviation fuel project in Normandy

Verso Energy has secured funding under the France 2030 programme for its "DEZiR" project, aimed at producing sustainable aviation fuel from biogenic CO₂, with an annual production capacity of 81,000 tonnes.
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EDF promises electricity more competitive than that of the United States by 2026

EDF’s outgoing CEO, Luc Rémont, claims French electricity will be more competitive than that of the United States, despite ongoing criticisms from industrialists about high tariffs.

Elon Musk reduces his federal involvement after Tesla’s Q1 losses

Elon Musk will partially step back from his role in Donald Trump’s government commission to focus on Tesla, which has been impacted by declining quarterly results and tensions in several markets.

TotalEnergies to shut ethylene unit in Antwerp amid European overcapacity

TotalEnergies’ Antwerp platform plans to end operations of one steam cracker by late 2027, while continuing investments in green hydrogen and sustainable fuels.
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Das Solar invests €109mn in photovoltaic plant in France

Chinese group Das Solar begins construction of its first European factory in Mandeure, with an initial 2 GW capacity and the planned creation of 600 jobs.

France: Rennes invests EUR156mn in its district heating network

Rennes Métropole and ENGIE Solutions are launching a EUR156mn project to extend a 78-kilometre district heating network powered entirely by renewable and recovered energy sources.