EDF to Finalize Purchase of GE Steam Power

The completion of EDF's takeover of GE Steam Power, scheduled for Friday, marks a key step in the strengthening of the French nuclear industry.

Share:

https://energynews.pro/energie-nucleaire/

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90€/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90€/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 €/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99€/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 €/year from the second year.

The expected announcement on Friday of the completion of the takeover of General Electric’s (GE) nuclear business by Électricité de France (EDF) represents an important milestone in the French energy landscape. This acquisition, for which an exclusivity agreement was signed in February 2022, is part of a strategic renewal of nuclear energy in France.

Agreement details

EDF CEO Luc Rémont is expected in Belfort to make the takeover official. Although the final details are still being worked out, this agreement involves the takeover of GE’s Arabelle turbine production division, essential for nuclear reactors. The scope of the acquisition includes the supply of equipment for new nuclear power plants and the maintenance of existing plants, with the exception of the Americas.

Industrial and economic implications

This acquisition, which involves some 2,500 employees in France and 3,400 worldwide, underlines EDF’s determination to consolidate its position as leader in the nuclear energy sector. The GE Steam Power entity, initially acquired by GE from Alstom in 2015, is strategically important for EDF, in particular for its ability to equip EPR and EPR2 technology reactors, as well as SMR modular reactors.

Strategic Challenges and Future Prospects

This acquisition is part of a broader plan to relaunch France’s nuclear program, announced by Emmanuel Macron from Belfort. It reflects a national strategy aimed at strengthening France’s energy autonomy and developing advanced nuclear technologies. It also illustrates the country’s commitment to a sustainable energy transition, with nuclear power playing a central role in reducing carbon emissions.

EDF’s imminent acquisition of GE Steam Power is more than a business transaction; it represents a significant shift in French energy policy, with far-reaching implications for the country’s industry, economy and environmental strategy.

The French Energy Regulatory Commission outlines a structured plan to accelerate the deployment of small modular reactors, focusing on industrial heat and series effects to enhance competitiveness.
US-based Nuclearn has secured $10.5mn to scale its artificial intelligence platform, already deployed in over 65 nuclear reactors, to automate critical operations amid rising energy demand.
The steel dome of the CAP1000 Haiyang 4 reactor has been positioned, a major construction milestone paving the way for upcoming maintenance and technical installation phases.
The Groupement des Industriels Français de l'Énergie Nucléaire and the Belgian Nuclear Forum formalise a partnership aimed at strengthening industrial exchanges and joint projects between the two countries’ nuclear sectors.
The International Atomic Energy Agency warns that little time remains to reach an agreement with Iran on fully resuming inspections, as European sanctions could be reimposed within 30 days.
Slovenia’s JEK2 project moves forward with two nuclear technologies judged technically compatible, estimated between EUR9.31bn ($10.1bn) and EUR15.37bn ($16.66bn).
US-based Oklo will build the country’s first privately funded nuclear fuel recycling centre in Oak Ridge, investing $1.7bn and creating over 800 jobs.
The Tennessee Valley Authority partners with ENTRA1 Energy to develop up to 6 gigawatts of modular nuclear capacity, in an unprecedented project supporting energy growth across seven U.S. states.
A report by the International Atomic Energy Agency puts Iran’s 60% enriched uranium at 440.9 kg before Israeli and U.S. strikes, while the agency’s access to enrichment sites has remained suspended since the operations.
US-based Westinghouse has signed six industrial agreements in the UK to supply critical components for its AP1000 and AP300 nuclear projects in Britain and abroad.
NANO Nuclear Energy receives direct funding from the US Air Force innovation branch to assess the integration of its KRONOS MMRâ„¢ microreactor at the Washington D.C. military base.
EDF extends the operation of Heysham 1 and Hartlepool by one year after favourable safety inspections, ensuring continuity of nuclear production and safeguarding more than 1,000 jobs.
Russian nuclear group Rosatom has confirmed advanced discussions with India and Turkey to launch new power plants, including advanced and floating reactor technologies.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has identified uranium particles of industrial origin in samples taken from a Syrian site suspected of hosting an undeclared nuclear reactor.
Norwegian authorities begin the first regulatory phase for two modular nuclear reactor projects, marking a strategic step in the national review of the potential role of nuclear energy in the country’s power mix.
With eleven reactors under construction and major projects such as Jaitapur, India is preparing a nuclear build-up that could place it among the world’s five leading nations in the sector.
France and Germany have validated a joint energy roadmap, including a commitment to the non-discrimination of nuclear energy in European financing.
Russia and Iran seek to strengthen their nuclear cooperation as the E3 activates the sanctions mechanism against Tehran, reigniting tensions over compliance with the 2015 Vienna agreement.
US-based Natura Resources has secured strategic funding and key permits for its MSR-1 nuclear reactor, backed by public funds and enriched fuel allocation from the Department of Energy.
The United States and South Korea have agreed to initiate discussions on reprocessing spent nuclear fuel, marking a potential strategic shift in the long-standing bilateral agreement.

Log in to read this article

You'll also have access to a selection of our best content.