popular articles

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.

Please 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.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Recently published in

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has established a new agency to oversee nuclear energy, appointing Almassadam Satkaliyev as its head. This structure aims to enhance the country’s energy security and support its long-term nuclear ambitions.
The US Department of Energy allocated a $57 million loan to Holtec International to support the relaunch of the Palisades nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2022, to ensure compliance with NRC safety standards.
The US Department of Energy allocated a $57 million loan to Holtec International to support the relaunch of the Palisades nuclear plant, which has been closed since 2022, to ensure compliance with NRC safety standards.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Orano and Navoiyuran have signed a strategic agreement for the industrial development of the South Djengeldi uranium deposit in Uzbekistan, with the entry of Japanese company ITOCHU Corporation as a minority partner.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
Chubu Electric starts dismantling reactors at Hamaoka plant, marking a turning point in the management of its nuclear sector as Japan plans to gradually reintroduce nuclear energy into its energy mix.
President Emmanuel Macron has announced an additional delay for the commissioning of the first EPR2 reactors, now set for 2038 instead of 2035. This decision was made during a meeting dedicated to the nuclear program.
Engie has finalized a ten-year extension agreement with the Belgian state for the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including a financial responsibility transfer related to spent fuel, following recent approval by the European Commission.
Engie has finalized a ten-year extension agreement with the Belgian state for the Doel 4 and Tihange 3 nuclear reactors, including a financial responsibility transfer related to spent fuel, following recent approval by the European Commission.
Tests on the concrete of the EPR2 Penly seawall have raised doubts about its compliance with safety standards, according to Mediapart and Reporterre. EDF and Eiffage contest these claims, asserting that the material meets technical requirements.
Tests on the concrete of the EPR2 Penly seawall have raised doubts about its compliance with safety standards, according to Mediapart and Reporterre. EDF and Eiffage contest these claims, asserting that the material meets technical requirements.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
On Monday, President Emmanuel Macron will chair a Nuclear Policy Council focused on small modular reactors (SMRs) and uranium supply, within a global context of renewed interest in nuclear energy.
A group of technology and energy companies, along with 31 countries, has signed a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050, supporting a strategic expansion of this energy source.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
Rafael Mariano Grossi, IAEA Director-General, is visiting Niger to discuss nuclear cooperation. This visit comes at a time when the country, a major uranium producer, is experiencing internal political tensions.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower have entered into a strategic partnership to optimise the manufacturing of Natrium reactor components. This collaboration aims to structure an industrial supply chain to accelerate their global deployment.
HD Hyundai and TerraPower have entered into a strategic partnership to optimise the manufacturing of Natrium reactor components. This collaboration aims to structure an industrial supply chain to accelerate their global deployment.
KHNP and Samsung C&T have signed an agreement to collaborate on international nuclear projects, aiming to strengthen their global competitiveness, particularly in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market.
KHNP and Samsung C&T have signed an agreement to collaborate on international nuclear projects, aiming to strengthen their global competitiveness, particularly in the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific market.
The International Atomic Energy Agency has begun an assessment visit to the Rooppur nuclear power plant, Bangladesh’s first facility, 90% financed by Russia. The inspection focuses on site safety ahead of the scheduled fuel loading in 2025.
Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.
Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank to finance the expansion of its Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant at Tricastin, aiming to increase its capacity by 30% by 2028.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
Framatome reaches a key milestone as the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) accepts to review its report on high burnup fuels for pressurized water reactors, aiming to enhance the operational efficiency of nuclear power plants in the United States.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
On March 7, approximately 100 cubic metres of radioactive coolant leaked into the containment rooms of the Olkiluoto 3 reactor in Finland. The incident, caused by human error during maintenance work, did not compromise nuclear safety.
Jordan is developing its uranium industry with a feasibility study aimed at securing funding. A strategic partnership with a Kazakh company supports this initiative as the country seeks to exploit its resources locally.
Spain remains committed to its strategy of shutting down nuclear power plants by 2035, despite growing pressure from economic and political actors advocating for an extension, citing energy and economic concerns.
Spain remains committed to its strategy of shutting down nuclear power plants by 2035, despite growing pressure from economic and political actors advocating for an extension, citing energy and economic concerns.
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will remain shut down until March 30 due to a series of unexpected technical interventions. These operations, which began on February 15, aim to optimise its performance before reaching full power.
The Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor will remain shut down until March 30 due to a series of unexpected technical interventions. These operations, which began on February 15, aim to optimise its performance before reaching full power.
Canada announces a major investment to modernize CANDU technology, with a $304 million loan to AtkinsRéalis for the development of a large-scale nuclear reactor, thereby strengthening national energy capacity.
Canada announces a major investment to modernize CANDU technology, with a $304 million loan to AtkinsRéalis for the development of a large-scale nuclear reactor, thereby strengthening national energy capacity.
Russia and Myanmar have signed an agreement for the construction of a small nuclear power plant in Myanmar. The project aims to provide affordable energy for Myanmar’s economy while strengthening bilateral relations.
Eskom has suspended operations at unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa following an incident during maintenance work. This decision comes amidst the country's complex energy capacity management.
Eskom has suspended operations at unit 2 of the Koeberg nuclear power station in South Africa following an incident during maintenance work. This decision comes amidst the country's complex energy capacity management.
Romania plans to double its nuclear capacity by building two new CANDU reactors at Cernavodă. These units, expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, should increase nuclear energy's share to 30% of the country's total electricity production.
Romania plans to double its nuclear capacity by building two new CANDU reactors at Cernavodă. These units, expected to be operational in 2030 and 2031, should increase nuclear energy's share to 30% of the country's total electricity production.
Moltex Energy has introduced an innovative nuclear waste management solution that transforms used nuclear fuel into clean energy while significantly reducing waste volumes. This technology opens up new economic and security opportunities for the industry.
Moltex Energy has introduced an innovative nuclear waste management solution that transforms used nuclear fuel into clean energy while significantly reducing waste volumes. This technology opens up new economic and security opportunities for the industry.

Advertising