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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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Orano recovers its representative in Niger amid growing nuclear tensions

French nuclear group Orano has confirmed the release of its representative in Niger, detained since May, as tensions remain high with the country’s junta over control of uranium assets.

French consortium invests €7.3mn in offshore superconductivity project

A pilot project backed by the state aims to modernise electricity transport between offshore wind farms and the mainland grid using superconducting cables cooled with liquid nitrogen.

Hyvia, Renault’s hydrogen joint venture, placed in liquidation

Hyvia, Renault's hydrogen utility vehicle joint venture, has been placed in liquidation due to the slow adoption of the market and the high development costs associated with hydrogen technologies.

Orano envisages a long and uncertain restart for its uranium mine in Niger

The Orano group faces a difficult restart of its mining operations in Niger after losing control of its subsidiaries. The restart of the Somaïr mine could take nearly two years due to political tensions with the local junta.

Schneider Electric Posts Record Profits in 2024 Driven by Energy Transition and Data Centres

Schneider Electric announced exceptional financial results for 2024, driven by strong demand in energy management and data centre sectors, despite a decline in its industrial automation business.
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French Court Dismisses Lawsuit Against TotalEnergies Over Climate Crisis

The lawsuit filed by three NGOs and eight plaintiffs accusing TotalEnergies of involuntary manslaughter and harm to biodiversity has been dismissed by the French judiciary, citing insufficient evidence of infractions.

Nexans Reaps the Dividends of Its Electrification Strategy

Nexans, a major player in cable production, benefits from strong demand linked to infrastructure electrification, contributing to the growth of its financial results.

Orano Records a Record Annual Profit

Orano reports a threefold increase in annual profit, driven by strong Japanese demand and rising uranium prices. The company benefits from a robust recovery in its uranium supply contracts.
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Lénéo to launch biogas production at the former Tereos distillery in Morains

Lénéo, a major player in the energy sector, has announced a biogas production project at the former Tereos distillery site in Morains, a development that meets the growing demand for renewable energy.

Fusion Energy: A Record Plasma Duration Set in France

French researchers have achieved a new milestone in fusion experiments by recording a world record for plasma confinement duration, a crucial step toward harnessing fusion energy.

Siemens Gamesa invests €200 million in Le Havre to counter China

Siemens Gamesa announces a €200 million investment to expand its Le Havre factory. The goal: to produce longer and more powerful wind turbine blades to remain competitive against China, the global leader in the sector.
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France Becomes Europe’s Leading Hub for Russian LNG Despite Restrictions

France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.

Paris Advocates for a European Bank to Finance Industrial Decarbonization

France proposes the creation of a European Decarbonization and Electrification Bank to support industrial companies facing the costs of energy transition. The project, backed by Bercy, aims for long-term financing and will be discussed at upcoming European Council meetings.

French government confirms the maintenance of regulated electricity tariffs

Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.
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Veolia partners with Adnoc to optimize water management in the Emirates

Veolia has signed an agreement with Emirati oil company Adnoc to streamline water consumption at its industrial sites. This strategic partnership aims to improve resource management and aligns with the French group’s expansion strategy in the Middle East.

TotalEnergies and ENI Secure a Strategic Gas Agreement Between Cyprus and Egypt

TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.

France: Corruption and Illegal Agreements: The Electricity Market in Réunion Under Investigation

A network of anti-competitive agreements and corruption surrounding electrification in Réunion is bringing eight individuals and two companies to trial in May. Practices that distorted public tenders have already led to several convictions and financial penalties.
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TotalEnergies and Air Liquide invest one billion euros in hydrogen in the Netherlands

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide are strengthening their partnership in hydrogen in the Netherlands with the construction of two large-capacity electrolyzers. The investment exceeds one billion euros and aims to supply petrochemical platforms with decarbonized hydrogen.

Electric Flying Taxis: Strategic Partnership Between Volocopter and a French Company

Volocopter, a major player in air mobility, partners with a French company to deploy electric flying taxis in Paris. This strategic partnership aims to transform urban mobility while addressing the economic challenges linked to technological transition.

Europe Faces the Challenge of Energy Security: Three Pillars to Stabilize Its Power Grid, According to Eurelectric

Europe's energy transition is driving a structural transformation of the electricity grid, exposing the market to new vulnerabilities. A study by Compass Lexecon highlights three strategic levers to ensure supply stability amid geopolitical pressures and market volatility.
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BNP Paribas and the EIB Mobilize €8 Billion for Wind Energy in Europe

BNP Paribas and the European Investment Bank (EIB) sign an agreement to stimulate up to €8 billion in investments in wind energy within the European Union. This initiative strengthens financing for wind projects and supports the European industry in the sector.

France: an estimated CO2 storage capacity of 4.7 billion tonnes

The EVASTOCO2 study, led by the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC), reveals a potential geological CO2 storage capacity in metropolitan France estimated at 4.7 billion tonnes. These estimates align with the national strategy to develop the carbon capture and storage (CCUS) sector.