France’s Far-Right Strongly Challenges Nuclear Pricing Regulations.

The CRE (Commission of Energy Regulation) states that the new nuclear price regulation mechanism aims to protect consumers, despite the RN's political opposition.

Share:

The opposition of the Rassemblement National (RN) to the new price regulation mechanism applied to the nuclear sector has sparked intense debates within parliamentary bodies. Article 4 of the bill, which reforms the remuneration of EDF (Electricity of France) for its nuclear production, is at the heart of these disputes.

Regulation and Stakeholder Positions

According to Emmanuelle Wargon, president of the CRE, the mechanism—designed to replace the current system known as Arenh (Regulated Access to Historical Nuclear Electricity), which has been in force for about 15 years—does not immediately lead to price increases, as market rates remain close to those previously applied. Ms. Wargon clarifies that Article 4 establishes a new framework aimed at protecting consumers by levying a fraction of EDF’s additional revenues when prices exceed certain thresholds (50% between 78 and 110 euros/MWh and 90% beyond 110 euros/MWh).
During the debates in the joint committee on the 2025 budget, RN deputy Jean-Philippe Tanguy threatened to censure the government if Article 4 were not removed, arguing that this mechanism could cause an increase in tariffs for all consumers, both residential and industrial.

Market Implications

The revision of EDF’s remuneration framework stems from an agreement between the State and the utility announced in November 2023, setting an average price of approximately 70 euros/MWh over a 15-year period and opening the possibility for electricity to be sold on the markets. This initiative is part of a broader effort to rethink the energy mix and adapt the pricing policy to the sector’s evolving dynamics.

Effects on EDF and Consumers

Ms. Wargon further highlights a paradox: the RN’s opposition to the mechanism—claimed in the name of consumer protection—contradicts the protective role intended by this article. Additionally, the CRE announced that it will deliver its decision regarding the peak/off-peak hours regime next week. This announcement comes as part of a consultation aimed at adapting the system to changes in consumption patterns and the evolving energy mix. These measures are set to be thoroughly analyzed by the competent authorities, with no definitive conclusion drawn at this stage.

Bahrain has concluded a civil nuclear agreement with the United States and formalised a commitment of $17bn in public investments in the US market, further strengthening bilateral cooperation.
Kairos Power has installed the vessel for its third test prototype in Oak Ridge, aiming to validate manufacturing methods for its future Hermes reactor supported by the US Department of Energy.
London and Prague formalise a strategic partnership to develop the nuclear sector, focusing on small modular reactors and industrial cooperation on supply chains.
Experts have broadly approved France’s Cigéo deep nuclear waste repository project, highlighting technical uncertainties that demand stronger guarantees for long-term safety.
Uzbekistan advances its nuclear project by signing a protocol with Hungary for the supply and local assembly of dry cooling systems, expanding its industrial partnerships in the region.
The International Atomic Energy Agency mission completed on July 11 warns that the National Nuclear Safety Administration must hire staff to oversee a fleet of 59 reactors in operation and 32 more under construction.
Energoatom signed strategic agreements with Westinghouse and Holtec at the Ukraine Recovery Conference, aiming to establish nuclear fuel production and small modular reactor capabilities in the country.
Tehran agrees to reopen its nuclear facilities to the IAEA, aiming to resume negotiations with Washington, while Moscow pushes for a “zero enrichment” agreement without getting involved in supervision.
TerraPower has selected three new American suppliers for its advanced Natrium nuclear reactor, confirming progress on the project located in Kemmerer, Wyoming, intended to replace a retiring coal-fired power plant.
Energy Exploration Technologies acquires Daytona Lithium, an Australian subsidiary of Pantera Lithium, for AUD40mn ($27mn), bringing its strategic lithium basin footprint in Smackover, USA to nearly 50,000 acres.
The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission has identified no major barriers to licensing the ARC-100 reactor, announces ARC Clean Technology.
SE Ignalina, the Lithuanian nuclear operator, has signed a memorandum of understanding with French firm Newcleo to explore the integration of small modular reactors (SMRs) using lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology in Lithuania.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi oversaw the signing of new agreements for the construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant, thus strengthening the strategic cooperation between Egypt and Russia.
Vistra Corp receives green light to extend Perry nuclear plant operations in Ohio by 20 years, securing regional electricity supply until 2046 and ensuring operational continuity for all its nuclear reactors in the United States.
EDF will hold a 12.5% stake in the Sizewell C nuclear project in the UK, a €1.3 billion investment announced during Emmanuel Macron’s official visit to London, confirming the strategic nuclear energy alignment between the two countries.
The French Cigéo project, designed to bury the most hazardous radioactive waste deep underground, obtains a crucial technical validation before its final authorization, expected by the end of 2027.
EDF confirms the continuation of its industrial project in Fessenheim for recycling very low-level radioactive metals, a first in France requiring specific regulatory authorizations, following a public debate concluded last February.
NANO Nuclear Energy Inc. formalizes its collaboration with UrAmerica Ltd. to strengthen Argentina’s uranium supply, aiming to secure future nuclear fuel supply chains for the U.S. market.
American companies SHINE Technologies and Standard Nuclear partner to recycle uranium and plutonium, supplying advanced fuel to the nuclear reactor sector and enhancing the national energy security of the United States.
The American Bureau of Shipping and two nuclear sector companies are studying the potential deployment of floating nuclear power plants to meet the energy needs of island and coastal regions in the Mediterranean, notably via electricity and desalination.