France

France: Sébastien Lecornu wants to review public funding for renewable energy

Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a review of public funding for renewable energy, without changing national targets, to avoid rent-seeking effects and better regulate the use of public funds.

The biofuels sector rejects a tax increase deemed brutal

French biofuel stakeholders denounce a tax hike on B100 and E85 announced in the 2026 draft budget, which they say threatens their income and the industrial balance of local areas.

Flamanville EPR restarts after four-month technical shutdown

EDF restarted the Flamanville EPR reactor after repairing non-compliant valves, delaying the target of reaching full power output of 1,620 MW until the end of autumn.
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Prisma Photonics raises $30mn to expand its optical fibre infrastructure monitoring platform

Israeli company Prisma Photonics has raised $30mn in a funding round led by Protego Ventures to develop its artificial intelligence-based detection system for power grids and critical infrastructure.

Lhyfe launches in Germany its largest commercial unit for certified green hydrogen

Lhyfe commissions a 10 MW site in Schwäbisch Gmünd, its first in Germany, to supply RFNBO-certified green hydrogen to industrial and heavy mobility clients.

EDF commissions solar plant and smart grid in Maripasoula

EDF has inaugurated a 1.2 MWc solar power plant and an intelligent electrical grid in Maripasoula, French Guiana, strengthening the energy autonomy of this remote community previously reliant on fuel imports.
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GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant develop an onboard energy system using LNG and CO₂

GTT, Bloom Energy and Ponant Explorations Group launch a joint project to integrate LNG-powered fuel cells and a CO₂ capture system on a cruise ship scheduled for 2030.

Storengy puts 100 TWh of gas storage capacity on the market through 2030

Storengy has launched its 2025/2026 campaign to sell gas storage capacity over four years, targeting the commercialisation of nearly 100 TWh by 2030, with over 27 TWh available starting in 2026-27.

EDP deploys 10 MWc solar park in Italy combined with livestock activity

EDP has commissioned a solar power plant in Salerno integrating livestock farming, with a capacity of 10 MWc and an annual output of 17 GWh, marking the launch of a hybrid model to be replicated in France and Germany.
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RWE allocates €120,000 to eight local projects in France through its wind fund

Eight local associations in Normandy and Hauts-de-France will receive a total of €120,000, financed by revenues from three RWE wind farms, to support public-impact projects in 2025.

Ukraine prepares legal framework to accelerate small modular reactor deployment

A roadmap under development aims to establish regulatory and technical foundations for the deployment of small modular reactors, with the goal of strengthening national energy security and attracting private capital.

John Cockerill and Axens deploy NesaBTF to industrialise residue torrefaction

John Cockerill and Axens launch NesaBTF, an industrial torrefaction technology designed to optimise biomass supply, with targeted ambitions in the growing sustainable aviation fuel market.
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EDF raises nuclear forecast to 375 TWh driven by industrial plan

EDF adjusts its 2025 nuclear production forecast to between 365 and 375 TWh, supported by the performance of its industrial programme START 2025 focused on maintenance efficiency.

France: wpd begins construction of 140.6MWc solar park with agricultural co-activity in Marcy

wpd solar France has launched construction of a 140.6MWc photovoltaic park in Marcy, in the Nièvre department, integrating agricultural co-activity across 632 hectares in partnership with five local farms.

CVE commissions 12 MWc solar farm on industrial brownfield site in Volx

Independent energy producer CVE has inaugurated a 12 MWc solar farm on municipal land in Volx, generating 19 GWh annually and an estimated €5mn in economic returns over 30 years.
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Fuel consumption in France rises despite overall oil downturn

In September 2025, French road fuel consumption rose by 3%, driven by a rebound in unleaded fuels, while overall energy petroleum product consumption fell by 1.8% year-on-year.

France urged to double renewable capacity to ensure energy autonomy

The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.

GreenYellow takes control of 18 rooftop solar plants in Réunion in strategic deal

GreenYellow strengthens its presence in the French overseas territories with the acquisition of 18 rooftop photovoltaic installations in Réunion, totalling 3.1 MWc in capacity, as part of a strategy to consolidate its decentralised energy assets.
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Agri-voltaics attract energy developers amid rural land tensions

The rapid rise of agri-voltaic projects in France raises concerns over agricultural impact, land speculation and the economic viability of a still-emerging model.

French government plans to end tax benefits on B100 and E85 biofuels

The 2026 draft budget proposes eliminating tax incentives for B100 and E85 fuels, prompting opposition from agricultural unions concerned about the economic impact on the biofuel sector.

Siemens Gamesa invests €200 million in Le Havre to counter China

Siemens Gamesa announces a €200 million investment to expand its Le Havre factory. The goal: to produce longer and more powerful wind turbine blades to remain competitive against China, the global leader in the sector.

France Becomes Europe’s Leading Hub for Russian LNG Despite Restrictions

France’s imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia surged by 81% between 2023 and 2024, reaching €2.68 billion. With its extensive port infrastructure, France has become the primary entry point for Russian LNG into Europe, marking a shift in the market landscape.

Paris Advocates for a European Bank to Finance Industrial Decarbonization

France proposes the creation of a European Decarbonization and Electrification Bank to support industrial companies facing the costs of energy transition. The project, backed by Bercy, aims for long-term financing and will be discussed at upcoming European Council meetings.
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French government confirms the maintenance of regulated electricity tariffs

Paris supports maintaining regulated electricity tariffs for households and very small businesses despite criticism from the Competition Authority. A report sent to Brussels highlights their role in stabilizing the market.

Veolia partners with Adnoc to optimize water management in the Emirates

Veolia has signed an agreement with Emirati oil company Adnoc to streamline water consumption at its industrial sites. This strategic partnership aims to improve resource management and aligns with the French group’s expansion strategy in the Middle East.

TotalEnergies and ENI Secure a Strategic Gas Agreement Between Cyprus and Egypt

TotalEnergies and ENI have reached an agreement with Cyprus and Egypt to develop the Cronos gas field. This initiative aims to convert the resources of Block 6 into liquefied natural gas (LNG) for the European market, utilizing existing Egyptian infrastructure.
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France: Corruption and Illegal Agreements: The Electricity Market in Réunion Under Investigation

A network of anti-competitive agreements and corruption surrounding electrification in Réunion is bringing eight individuals and two companies to trial in May. Practices that distorted public tenders have already led to several convictions and financial penalties.

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide invest one billion euros in hydrogen in the Netherlands

TotalEnergies and Air Liquide are strengthening their partnership in hydrogen in the Netherlands with the construction of two large-capacity electrolyzers. The investment exceeds one billion euros and aims to supply petrochemical platforms with decarbonized hydrogen.

Electric Flying Taxis: Strategic Partnership Between Volocopter and a French Company

Volocopter, a major player in air mobility, partners with a French company to deploy electric flying taxis in Paris. This strategic partnership aims to transform urban mobility while addressing the economic challenges linked to technological transition.
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Europe Faces the Challenge of Energy Security: Three Pillars to Stabilize Its Power Grid, According to Eurelectric

Europe's energy transition is driving a structural transformation of the electricity grid, exposing the market to new vulnerabilities. A study by Compass Lexecon highlights three strategic levers to ensure supply stability amid geopolitical pressures and market volatility.

BNP Paribas and the EIB Mobilize €8 Billion for Wind Energy in Europe

BNP Paribas and the European Investment Bank (EIB) sign an agreement to stimulate up to €8 billion in investments in wind energy within the European Union. This initiative strengthens financing for wind projects and supports the European industry in the sector.

France: an estimated CO2 storage capacity of 4.7 billion tonnes

The EVASTOCO2 study, led by the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC), reveals a potential geological CO2 storage capacity in metropolitan France estimated at 4.7 billion tonnes. These estimates align with the national strategy to develop the carbon capture and storage (CCUS) sector.
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Air Liquide secures 2,500 GWh of low-carbon electricity with record PPAs in 2024

Air Liquide has signed a record volume of power purchase agreements (PPAs) in 2024, adding more than 2,500 GWh of low-carbon electricity to its supply. These long-term agreements cover several key markets and support the company’s energy modernization efforts.

Newcleo initiates land acquisition for its SMR reactor in France

Newcleo has started the land acquisition process for its LFR-AS-30 small modular reactor in western France. The Italian company continues its regulatory procedures and plans to commission its first reactor in France by 2031.

South Africa: A Directive to Accelerate the Green Hydrogen Market

The South African government plans to issue a directive on green hydrogen on February 17. This measure aims to streamline project approval processes in a sector undergoing structuring, where investments are still struggling to materialize.
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France: Equinor and Danske fined €12 million: Companies challenge CRE’s decision

The French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE) has imposed a €12 million fine on Equinor and Danske Commodities for market manipulation during gas transport auctions. Equinor disputes the decision and has announced its intention to appeal.

France: Solar energy professionals oppose the reduction of subsidies for photovoltaic installations

The government's decision to refocus support on 100 to 500 kWc photovoltaic installations is drawing strong reactions from industry players. Trade unions and federations denounce a sudden challenge to the economic model of rooftop and canopy installations.

France Maintains Ban on Oil Exploration in French Guiana

Energy Minister Marc Ferracci reaffirmed his opposition to reopening the debate on oil exploration in France. Despite proposals from Overseas Minister Manuel Valls, the government is prioritizing a decarbonization strategy aligned with its international commitments.
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EDF and TAQA Geothermal sign an agreement to develop geothermal energy in Saudi Arabia

EDF Saudi Arabia and TAQA Geothermal Energy Company have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop geothermal energy in the Kingdom. This initiative aims at electricity production and HVAC applications, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Manuel Valls proposes opening the debate on oil exploitation in Guyana

Manuel Valls calls for a debate on banning oil exploitation in Guyana, while Minister of Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, opposes, emphasizing the consistency of France's environmental commitments.