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.

Naked Energy expands solar thermal operations to Spain and Portugal

British company Naked Energy is accelerating its international expansion with a new office in Madrid to deploy its solar thermal technology in the industrially promising Iberian market.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.

BP revises its strategy after a 97% drop in net profit

BP announces a strategic shift following a collapse in its 2024 profits. Under pressure from activist investors, the British group must balance profitability with the transformation of its asset portfolio in a changing market environment.

IEA Launches Observatory to Monitor AI’s Energy Impact

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is preparing to launch a global observatory in April to measure the energy footprint of data centers. This initiative aims to centralize reliable data as electricity consumption linked to artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow rapidly.

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes to Deploy 1,050 Charging Stations for GRDF by 2029

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes has signed an agreement with GRDF for the installation and maintenance of 1,050 charging points for its electric fleet. Spread across 126 sites, these facilities will be deployed over five years, with a commitment to high availability and rapid maintenance.
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Mantle8 raises €3.4 million for natural hydrogen exploration

French startup Mantle8, specialized in detecting and analyzing natural hydrogen, has just raised €3.4 million. This funding will enable it to accelerate its research and industrialize its technology for precise and rapid prospecting of buried hydrogen reserves.

Verso Energy acquires 400 MWc of solar assets from Neoen

Verso Energy strengthens its position in the renewable electricity market by acquiring a portfolio of solar power plants in operation and development from Neoen, totaling 400 MWc. This transaction marks a key step in its energy integration strategy.

Europe accelerates the conversion of research reactors to low-enriched fuel

The European project EU-CONVERSION aims to develop new fuels to convert research reactors that currently use highly enriched uranium. This initiative, supported by scientific institutions and industry players, represents a key issue for nuclear safety and non-proliferation.
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Naarea opens a test facility for its XAMR microreactor

French microreactor developer Naarea has launched its industrial test center, the I-Lab, designed to validate the components and technologies of its molten salt XAMR reactor. This 2,400 m² facility marks a new step in the industrialization of this technology.

Spain: Strengthening of Nuclear Regulatory Framework Praised by the IAEA

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed Spain’s progress in nuclear and radiological safety. A review mission highlighted the improvement of the regulatory framework and the implementation of recommendations made in 2018.

TotalEnergies prepares its listing in New York to attract American investors

TotalEnergies plans to list its shares on the New York Stock Exchange by the end of 2025. The objective is to attract more American investors by converting its ADRs into ordinary shares while maintaining its presence in Paris.
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Taxation of Large Companies: Vinci Warns of Industrial Impact in France

Vinci CEO Xavier Huillard warns about the consequences of increased taxation on large companies in France. He highlights the risk to industrial investment and calls for greater regulatory stability to maintain the country’s attractiveness.

AI Data Centers Under Pressure Amid Rising Energy Consumption

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is driving an exponential increase in the energy and water consumption of its infrastructure. A British report highlights the need for tech companies to better regulate the impact of their data centers.

Airbus Adjusts Its Hydrogen Aircraft Strategy Amid Technological Challenges

Airbus acknowledges slower-than-expected progress on its hydrogen aircraft program. Facing technical and industrial challenges, the aircraft manufacturer is adjusting its priorities while maintaining its ambition to decarbonize the aviation sector.
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Electricity Consumption in France: A Moderate Increase in 2024

Electricity consumption in France increased by 0.7% in 2024, reaching 449.2 terawatt-hours, according to RTE. This slight rise marks a turning point after two years of decline but remains well below pre-2020 levels.

Macron and Modi strengthen their energy and nuclear cooperation in Marseille

Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi will meet in Marseille on Wednesday to discuss trade exchanges, port infrastructure, and nuclear cooperation between France and India. The visit will include the Iter project and the development of small modular reactors (SMRs).

U.S. Companies Maintain Their Energy Transition Despite Trump

Despite Donald Trump's return and his measures favoring fossil fuels, major companies, including in the United States, are continuing their energy transition plans. American banks still finance renewable energy despite withdrawing from climate initiatives.
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Nigeria accelerates lithium extraction amid global demand

In Nasarawa State, Nigeria, lithium extraction is intensifying due to the rising demand for this strategic mineral. Between artisanal operations and foreign investments, the sector is developing despite regulatory challenges and local tensions.

France reaches a record €5 billion in electricity exports in 2024

French electricity exports generated a record €5 billion in 2024, driven by increased volumes despite falling market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium are among the main importers.

London Opens the Door to Small Nuclear Reactors to Revive Energy

The UK government is easing restrictions on nuclear power plant construction, particularly small modular reactors (SMRs). While this technology is still under development, it attracts several companies but poses technical and financial challenges.
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France Sets Record with €5 Billion in Electricity Exports in 2024

France’s electricity exports generated €5 billion in 2024, an unprecedented level driven by increased volumes despite declining market prices. Italy, Germany, and Belgium were among the main importers.

Engie strengthens its support for vulnerable households with an increased energy voucher

Engie announces an exceptional increase of €50 for energy vouchers benefiting eligible customers and doubles its contribution to the Housing Solidarity Fund (FSL). This measure comes as rising electricity taxes impact consumers.