SUBSCRIBE
PROFILE

France: energy suppliers’ demand for Arenh nuclear electricity in 2025 exceeds the quota again

In France, alternative energy suppliers requested over 134 TWh of low-cost nuclear electricity for 2025 through the Arenh mechanism, exceeding the 100 TWh cap set by EDF, according to the Commission de régulation de l'énergie (CRE).

Share:

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

SUBSCRIBE - 99€/year

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

France: the demand for low-cost nuclear electricity offered by EDF through the Arenh mechanism (Regulated Access to Historic Nuclear Electricity) continues to exceed the regulatory caps. The Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) revealed that alternative suppliers requested a total of 134.93 terawatt-hours (TWh) for 2025. This figure represents an allocation rate of 74.12%, meaning that not all requests will be met.

An attractive price for alternative suppliers

In France, Arenh obliges EDF to sell part of its nuclear production at a regulated price of €42 per megawatt-hour (MWh), a particularly competitive rate compared to current market prices. This mechanism benefits alternative energy suppliers by offering them a less costly source of supply, contributing to their competitiveness in the national market. However, the electricity available through this mechanism is strictly capped at 100 TWh per year, which accounts for less than one-third of EDF’s total nuclear production.

Increase in demand for 2025

The demand for 2025 is up by 3.5% compared to the previous year. This increase is described as “consistent with the growth in the market share of alternative suppliers” by the CRE. These suppliers are seeing their customer base grow, pushing them to request more low-cost electricity to meet the rising needs of their consumers.

Towards the end of the Arenh mechanism

The Arenh mechanism, in place since 2011, is scheduled to end on December 31, 2025. From 2026 onward, EDF will be required to sell its entire electricity production on the markets. This transition presents strategic challenges for the French government and energy sector stakeholders, who are working to establish a suitable replacement mechanism. The goal is to maintain a balance between competitive demands and energy price stability.

Implications for EDF and the energy sector

This situation highlights the challenges EDF faces. The company must balance its regulatory obligations while continuing to invest in maintaining and developing its nuclear fleet. Meanwhile, alternative suppliers rely on Arenh to remain competitive amid volatile energy markets.

The future of the regulatory framework for nuclear electricity in France remains a subject of debate, both for its impact on competition and its role in the national energy transition.

  • Popular on energynews.pro
US Army selects nine bases for future deployment of nuclear microreactors
Subsea7 reports 27% increase in adjusted EBITDA in third quarter
Battery storage market projected to reach $99.67bn by 2033
Blackstone injects $1.2bn into West Virginia’s first natural gas power plant
UK urged to choose between carbon capture and aviation fuels
NexGen begins final federal hearings for the Rook I nuclear project
NexGen Energy has opened Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission hearings for the final approval of its Rook I uranium project, following more than six years of regulatory process.
Oklo signs contract with Siemens Energy for Aurora’s power conversion system
Oklo has signed a binding agreement with Siemens Energy to accelerate manufacturing of the energy conversion system for its first advanced nuclear power plant in the United States.
New setback for TEPCO at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa 48h before crucial political green light
A security document handling incident at the nuclear power plant renews concerns about TEPCO as a key decision on restarting reactors 6 and 7 approaches in Niigata.
Washington seals civil nuclear deal with Riyadh amid political tensions
An initial civil nuclear cooperation agreement was signed between the United States and Saudi Arabia, prompting calls from the US Congress for strict safeguards to prevent a Middle East arms race.
CGN activates Zhaoyuan to bypass US restrictions and secure its Hualong One reactors
The launch of the Zhaoyuan nuclear project anchors the Hualong One model inland, illustrating Beijing’s strategy of regulatory normalisation in response to Western technological restrictions.
TRISO-X begins vertical construction on advanced nuclear fuel facility in Tennessee
TRISO-X has started above-ground works on the first U.S. facility dedicated to manufacturing fuel for small modular reactors, marking a key industrial milestone in the deployment of the Xe-100.
Russia delivers key test rig for ITER project progress
The first Russian test rig for the experimental ITER reactor has been delivered to the site in France, marking a major milestone in the international collaboration on nuclear fusion.
Allseas’ nuclear concept could inject EUR130bn into Dutch economy by 2050
A strategic report reveals the industrial and energy potential of Allseas’ offshore small modular reactor, which could create up to 40,000 jobs and reduce investment in the power grid.
Japan approves partial restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant
Niigata’s governor is expected to approve the restart of one reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, inactive since the Fukushima accident, reviving a strategic asset for Japan’s energy sector.
Aecon partners with Norsk Kjernekraft to develop SMRs in Norway
Canadian firm Aecon and private developer Norsk Kjernekraft have signed a strategic agreement targeting the deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors across several potential locations in Norway.
South Africa restarts PBMR project with strategic transfer to Necsa
The South African government has officially lifted the PBMR reactor out of inactivity, launching a public investment programme and transferring the strategic nuclear asset from Eskom to Necsa.
France locks in €100bn nuclear programme under state control
The French Court of Auditors values EDF’s grand carénage at over €100bn, while EPR2 reactors already exceed €67–75bn. The State simultaneously directs regulation, financing, and industrial strategy, raising the risk of conflict of interest.
Belarus launches new public investment in a third nuclear reactor
Belarus commits major public investment to add a third reactor at the Ostrovets plant and initiates studies for a second nuclear site to support national energy demand.
Framatome completes second test cycle on next-generation nuclear fuel
Framatome’s accident-tolerant fuel prototype has completed a second 24-month cycle in a commercial nuclear reactor in the United States, paving the way for a third phase of industrial testing.
UK to install three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors at Wylfa nuclear site
The Wylfa site in Wales will host three Rolls-Royce small modular reactors from 2026, marking a strategic investment in the UK’s nuclear expansion.
Flamanville 3 reaches 80% power output ahead of extended 2026 shutdown
EDF confirmed that the Flamanville EPR has reached a major milestone, while planning a nearly year-long shutdown in 2026 for extensive regulatory inspections and key component replacement.
EDF expands access to nuclear contracts in response to regulatory changes
EDF is opening access to its long-term nuclear supply contracts to companies consuming more than 7 GWh per year, an adjustment driven by the gradual end of the Arenh mechanism.
South Korea extends operation of Kori 2 nuclear reactor until 2033
South Korean authorities have approved the continued operation of the Kori 2 reactor for an additional eight years, marking a key milestone in the national nuclear strategy.
Brazil launches BRL50mn microreactor project for 5 MW capacity
A public-private consortium is developing a 5 MW thermal microreactor designed to operate without refuelling for ten years, marking a strategic step in Brazil's nuclear innovation efforts.
Flamanville EPR reaches 80% output as EDF stays on schedule
EDF has announced that the Flamanville EPR reactor is now operating at 80% of its capacity. The target of reaching full output by the end of autumn remains confirmed by the utility.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

START - 99€/year

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.