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.
Rachat GE EDF tensions France USA Rosatom

Partagez:

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.

Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.