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.

European Union rejects United Kingdom’s exemption from carbon border levy

Brussels confirmed that the United Kingdom will not be exempted from the carbon border levy until both carbon markets are connected, delaying a possible exemption by at least one year.

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.
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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.

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.
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EDF Power Solutions appoints METLEN to build 400MW Longfield solar farm

EDF Power Solutions UK has appointed METLEN to lead engineering and construction for the 400MW Longfield solar farm in Essex, with commissioning scheduled for 2030.

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.

Plug Power installs 5 MW electrolyzer in Namibia for integrated hydrogen hub

Plug Power has completed the installation of a 5 MW PEM electrolyzer for Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, marking the launch of Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen production and distribution site.
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California Resources finalises asset transfer with Berry Corporation for $253mn

California Resources Corporation completed an all-stock asset transfer with Berry Corporation, strengthening its oil portfolio in California and adding strategic exposure in the Uinta Basin.

Gevo receives “A” rating for North Dakota site from BeZero Carbon

Gevo receives high-quality assessment for its carbon capture credits in North Dakota, strengthening the commercial value of its certificates in the voluntary carbon markets.

esVolta transfers Black Walnut project tax credit to Computacenter

esVolta finalises investment tax credit transfer for its Black Walnut storage project to Computacenter, marking a first-of-its-kind operation within its California energy portfolio.
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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.

JA Solar and Trinasolar Lead a Global Solar Market in Crisis

JA Solar and Trinasolar top Wood Mackenzie’s latest semiannual ranking despite a sector-wide net loss of $2.2 billion. Industrial leaders are strengthening their grip on global photovoltaic module supply through rigorous financial discipline.

Peregrine launches 500 MWh storage project near Dallas with Wärtsilä and WHC

Peregrine Energy Solutions has begun construction on a 500 MWh storage project in Texas, relying on Wärtsilä's technology and WHC's engineering expertise to enhance ERCOT grid flexibility.
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Israel seals a €30 billion gas contract with Egypt

An agreement announced on December 17, 2025 provides for twenty years of deliveries through 2040. The package amounts to 112 billion new Israeli shekels (Israeli shekels) (NIS), with flows intended to support Egyptian gas supply and Israeli public revenues.

Egypt launches $220mn solar complex in the Suez Canal zone

The ATUM Solar industrial complex, located in Ain Sokhna, will include three factories—two of 2 GW capacity—backed by a $220mn investment from an international consortium.

Meg O’Neill takes over BP to refocus the group on hydrocarbons

British company BP appoints Meg O'Neill as CEO to lead its strategic refocus on fossil fuels, following the abandonment of its climate ambitions and the early departure of Murray Auchincloss.
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Masdar commissions first UK storage site and adds 150 MW of new capacity

Masdar begins commercial operations at a Stockport battery storage unit and announces two more UK projects, part of a £1bn ($1.25bn) plan for 3GWh of BESS capacity.

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.

European carbon prices climb above €76 on compliance-driven demand

European carbon allowance prices reached a six-month high, driven by industrial compliance buying ahead of the deadline and rising natural gas costs.

Greek shipowners cut Russian crude links under new compliance rules

Greek shipping companies are gradually withdrawing from transporting Russian crude as the European Union tightens compliance conditions on price caps.

Iraq in talks with ExxonMobil for refining capacities in Asia

SOMO is negotiating with ExxonMobil to secure storage and refining access in Singapore, aiming to strengthen Iraq’s position in expanding Asian markets.
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NatPower Marine and Wah Kwong launch electric port network across 30 Asian ports

NatPower Marine and Wah Kwong create a joint venture to deploy a maritime electric charging network in over 30 Asian ports by 2030, without requiring initial public investment.

Washington lowers import duties and opens the door to $550 billion Japanese investments

The United States cuts tariffs on Japanese imports to 15%, while Tokyo launches a massive investment plan targeting American energy, industry, and agriculture.

Envision Energy signs exclusive agreement for 4.5 GW wind project in Turkey

The Chinese turbine manufacturer has signed a strategic agreement with Mensis Enerji to develop an initial 4.5 GW wind power portfolio in Turkey, strengthening its position in a fast-growing regional market.
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Monkey Island LNG integrates ConocoPhillips technology in strategic agreement

Monkey Island LNG adopts ConocoPhillips' Optimized Cascade® process for its 26 MTPA terminal in Louisiana, establishing a technology partnership focused on operational efficiency and competitive gas export pricing.

China redefines electric vehicle strategy around technological innovation

Faced with falling margins and overcapacity, Beijing is restructuring its electric vehicle industry by focusing on quality, standards, and technological upgrading.

TexPower appoints Bader Almonawer as president to drive its industrial expansion

TexPower entrusts its strategy to reindustrialise lithium iron phosphate in the United States to Bader Almonawer, appointed president to lead the company’s industrial and operational development from Houston.
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Zefiro completes carbon credit delivery to EDF Trading for 92,956 tonnes of CO2

Zefiro Methane Corp. completed the delivery of carbon credits to EDF Trading, validating a pre-sale agreement and marking its first revenues from the voluntary carbon market.

Terra Firma Energy strengthens its position with SGN’s hydrogen trial

The success of SGN’s test on a gas pipeline converted to hydrogen confirms Terra Firma Energy’s technological choices, with sites already equipped to accommodate this type of energy investment.

Aspen Power acquires two community solar projects in New Jersey

Aspen Power has finalised the acquisition of two community solar projects totalling over 1 MWdc in New Jersey, developed by Ecogy Energy, with construction expected to begin shortly.
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NextDecade signs 20-year LNG deal with EQT for 1.5 MTPA from Train 5

NextDecade has signed a liquefied natural gas supply agreement with EQT for 1.5 million tonnes annually from Rio Grande LNG Train 5, pending a final investment decision.

US utilities plan 147 GW in new high-load capacity by 2035

US utilities anticipate a rapid increase in high-intensity loads, targeting 147 GW of new capacity by 2035, with a strategic shift toward deregulated markets.

Lhyfe begins green hydrogen deliveries in the Netherlands for the GROHW project

Lhyfe has started supplying Essent with renewable green hydrogen under a multi-year contract, marking a major commercial debut in the Netherlands for the French producer.
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Teréga and GRDF deploy new biomethane backfeed station in Moncrabeau

Teréga and GRDF have commissioned a backfeed station in Lot-et-Garonne, showcasing their cooperation to adapt gas networks to the rise of locally produced biomethane in Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

European Union redefines import rules for UK oil and gas

The European Union’s new import standard forces the United Kingdom to make major adjustments to its oil and gas exports, impacting competitiveness and trade flows between the two markets.

Tenergie begins construction of 5.14 MWp solar plant in Cabrières d’Avignon

French developer Tenergie has started work on a ground-mounted solar plant at a former quarry, with expected annual output of 7.6 GWh from 2026.
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UK prepares new oil tax regime to revive UKCS competitiveness

The United Kingdom is set to replace the Energy Profits Levy with a new fiscal mechanism, caught between fairness and simplicity, as the British Continental Shelf continues to decline.

Trump administration moves to revoke Avangrid permits for offshore wind off Massachusetts

The Trump administration plans to revoke federal approval of the New England Wind project, jeopardising offshore wind contracts representing 2,600 MW of capacity off the northeastern US coast.