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.

Mayotte: A Third of Households Still Without Electricity After Cyclone Chido

Three weeks after Cyclone Chido, nearly a third of Mayotte's households remain without electricity, while recovery efforts advance with increased mobilization of EDF and EDM teams.

Germany Achieves 59% Renewable Electricity in 2024: A Historic Record

In 2024, Germany set a new record with 59% of its electricity produced from renewable sources, marking a key milestone after the complete shutdown of nuclear power. A balance of ecological progress and energy challenges.

Aluminium Dunkerque requests competitive prices from EDF for the post-Arenh era

With the end of the Arenh mechanism in 2025, Aluminium Dunkerque is calling on EDF to offer competitive prices to remain internationally competitive while meeting decarbonization requirements.
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France and ASNR integrate 2,000 experts in a contested nuclear reform

The Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority (ASNR) restructures the French nuclear sector by integrating 2,000 employees. This reform, at the heart of political and economic challenges, raises questions about governance and transparency.

Congo welcomes a joint venture between TotalEnergies and Vantage for a ten-year contract

TotalEnergies and Vantage Drilling announce the creation of TEVA Ship Charter LLC, a joint venture aimed at managing the Tungsten Explorer platform for an initial ten-year period in Congolese waters.

France sets electricity export record with 89 TWh in 2024

In 2024, France achieved an unprecedented net electricity export level of 89 TWh, driven by a restored nuclear production and strengthened renewable performance.
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Serbia finances solar energy in 30 municipalities with 168 million dinars

The Serbian government invests 168 million dinars to equip public infrastructures with solar panels. Thirty municipalities benefit from this program as part of the country's energy transition.

Italy, United States, and Africa Confirm 1342 MW in New Wind Energy Orders with Vestas

Vestas secures 1342 MW of wind energy orders across Europe, the United States, and Africa, driving renewable energy expansion globally.

Iran announces 60% uranium enrichment ahead of Geneva meeting

Iran will meet European diplomats in Geneva on January 13 amidst controversy over its 60% uranium enrichment, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
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France relaunches ASNR with uncertain budget for 2025

The merger of IRSN and ASN into the new ASNR raises concerns about expertise independence and a budget impasse expected as early as February 2025, according to unions.

Europe’s Nuclear Revival: Accelerating SMR Development

After years of focusing on renewable energy, the European Union is channeling resources into developing small modular reactors (SMRs) and strengthening its nuclear infrastructure.

France: The end of the tariff shield leads to a 14% decrease in electricity bills

Despite the end of the tariff shield on February 1, French households will benefit from a 14% reduction in their electricity bills. This measure is tied to the absence of adoption of the 2025 budget, which nevertheless has side effects.
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France awards two wind farm projects in the Mediterranean with €800 million investment

The French government has selected two consortia to construct floating wind farms in the Mediterranean, targeting a combined capacity of 500 MW with an estimated investment of €800 million.

EDF concludes unanimous salary agreement with 2.7% increase

EDF and its representative unions finalize a salary agreement for 2025. The deal includes a global increase of 2.7%, while negotiations remain open in several gas sector companies.

Brookfield becomes majority shareholder of Neoen for €6 billion

The Canadian group Brookfield acquired 53.12% of the capital of Neoen, a French renewable energy specialist, paving the way for a public offer for the remaining shares.
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A Major $1.6 Billion Agreement Between Mongolia and Orano for a Uranium Mine

Mongolia and Orano have reached a preliminary agreement for the exploitation of a strategic uranium mine, a $1.6 billion investment that could place the country among the world’s top 10 uranium resource holders.

France proposes a 12% reduction in energy consumption by 2030

The Environmental Authority calls for increased efforts to ensure France meets European climate goals, emphasizing a significant reduction in energy consumption to align with the requirements of the "Fit for 55" plan.

Europe bans Russian LNG transshipments for 2025

The European Union strengthens its energy sanctions against Russia by banning natural gas liquefied (LNG) transshipments in its ports from March, as part of its efforts to eliminate Russian fossil fuels by 2027.
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The EPR of Flamanville: Chronicle of a Chaotic Journey and the Future of Nuclear

The EPR of Flamanville symbolizes the challenges of French nuclear energy: delays, cost overruns, and loss of expertise. As the future shifts toward EPR2, the revival of this strategic sector remains fraught with uncertainties.

Niger: Orano challenges the withdrawal of its permit for 200,000 tons of uranium

The French group Orano initiates an international arbitration process following Niger’s suspension of its exploitation permit for the Imouraren deposit, a strategic resource estimated at 200,000 tons of uranium.