EDF’s takeover of General Electric: A geopolitical affair

EDF's takeover of General Electric's nuclear business, initially a financial negotiation, is now coming up against major geopolitical issues.

Share:

Rachat GE EDF tensions France USA Rosatom

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 process of EDF’s takeover of General Electric’s (GE) nuclear business is now moving towards geopolitical issues, overcoming previous financial barriers. Robert Poggi, EDF’s Director of Regional Action in Burgundy-Franche-Comté, revealed at a conference in Dijon that the dossier is no longer hampered by financial negotiations, but by geopolitical issues involving the USA, France and Russia. This complexity comes at a time when GE, known for its Arabelle turbines essential to nuclear power plants, counts the Russian group Rosatom among its customers, raising questions in the current context of sanctions against Russia.

Uncertainties and local reactions to the buyout

The uncertainty surrounding the timetable for finalizing the takeover is causing concern among GE employees in Belfort, as well as among local elected representatives. The climate of tension and mistrust is growing, exacerbated by a lack of communication on the progress of the project. Concerns are particularly acute given the importance of employment in the region, with some 3,400 employees globally affected by the takeover, including over 1,300 in Belfort. Reactions include regrets expressed by several local LR councillors about the apparent lack of progress on this crucial issue.

Historical background and France’s nuclear ambitions

The planned takeover is part of a wider context of French nuclear policy, marked by the announcement of an “exclusivity agreement” between EDF and GE in February 2022. This initiative is aligned with the relaunch of a vast French nuclear program announced by President Emmanuel Macron from Belfort, a region historically linked to the energy industry since GE’s controversial acquisition of Alstom’s energy branch in 2015, under the supervision of Macron then Minister of the Economy.

Profound implications for the nuclear industry

The takeover raises questions about the future of France’s nuclear industry, and in particular about the country’s technological autonomy and energy security. Rosatom’s presence among GE’s customers highlights the complex interdependencies of the global nuclear industry, as well as the challenges posed by international sanctions and diplomatic relations. These issues are part of a broader debate on energy sovereignty and decarbonization strategies.

While the EDF executive expresses cautious optimism, uncertainty is exacerbated by the upcoming US elections. Over and above its economic and industrial implications, the buyout is becoming a symbol of international tensions and alliances, highlighting the challenges facing players in the nuclear sector in a changing geopolitical landscape.

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.