France

France scraps Arenh and promises stable electricity prices through 2027

A new pricing framework will apply from January 2026 in France, replacing the Arenh mechanism. The state says the reform will not lead to higher bills for most consumers.

Nexans sells Autoelectric to Motherson for €207mn, completing its strategic shift

French group Nexans initiates the sale of its Autoelectric subsidiary to India’s Motherson for €207mn ($227mn), marking its full exit from non-electrification activities.

Davidson Kempner and Fortress take control of Bourbon to relaunch growth

Bourbon enters a new strategic phase following the arrival of Davidson Kempner and Fortress, who have become majority shareholders after a financial restructuring approved by the French courts.
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France: electricity bills to remain stable in 2026 despite the end of Arenh

The Ministry of the Economy forecasts stable regulated tariffs in 2026 and 2027 for 19.75 million households, despite the removal of the Arenh mechanism and the implementation of a new tariff framework.

French Electricity Union releases 50 measures to electrify the national economy

The federation of the electricity sector proposes a comprehensive plan to reduce dependence on fossil fuels by replacing their use in transport, industry and housing with locally produced electricity.

Lhyfe expects EUR10mn revenue in 2025 and cuts costs from 2026

Lhyfe aims to double its revenue next year, refocuses industrial priorities and plans a 30% cost reduction starting in 2026 to accelerate profitability.
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The French government asks RTE to maintain the THT line project to Fos

The government confirms the continuation of the high-voltage line construction to Fos-Berre, despite criticism from the public debate and local tensions regarding environmental and economic impacts.

Mundi Énergies launches twenty renewable energy hubs in Canada with Haffner Energy

Mundi Énergies partners with Haffner Energy to create a network of twenty multi-energy hubs in Quebec, using residual biomass to produce renewable gas and strengthen Canada’s energy independence.

Newcleo launches European safeguards process for lead-cooled modular reactor

French nuclear reactor developer Newcleo has submitted its lead-cooled small modular reactor design to Euratom, initiating the first regulatory phase to integrate nuclear non-proliferation safeguards at the European level.
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EDF raises cost estimate for six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion

French state utility EDF has increased the maximum estimated cost for building six new nuclear reactors to €72.8 billion ($85.29 billion), representing a 40% rise over the original figure.

France postpones publication of energy roadmap to 2026

The government has postponed the release of the new Multiannual Energy Programme to early 2026, delayed by political tensions over the balance between nuclear and renewables.

France: the Council of State bans coalbed methane exploitation in Lorraine

The Council of State has cancelled the authorisation to exploit coalbed methane in Lorraine, citing risks to the region's main aquifer and bringing an end to a legal battle that began over a decade ago.
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Technique Solaire secures €40mn junior debt to support 392 MWp in projects

Technique Solaire has secured €40mn ($43.5mn) in junior debt from BNP Paribas Asset Management to structure two solar portfolios totalling 392 MWp across France, Spain and the Netherlands.

Neoen wins 124 MWp in solar projects in latest French government tender

Independent power producer Neoen has secured six agrivoltaic projects totalling 124 MWp, reinforcing its position as the leading winner in French solar tenders since 2021.

TOPCon 4.0 vs HJT: the financial trade-off in the solar sector in 2026

As the photovoltaic industry enters a phase of deep restructuring, the duel between TOPCon 4.0 and heterojunction technologies is redefining manufacturers’ margins. In 2026, reducing production costs becomes the primary strategic lever for global market leaders.
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Dalkia wins €15bn contract to manage Paris heating network until 2050

The Paris Council awards a €15bn, 25-year contract to Dalkia, a subsidiary of EDF, to operate the capital’s heating network, replacing long-time operator Engie amid political tensions ahead of municipal elections.

Newcleo considers shifting €16bn nuclear projects from the UK to the United States

Faced with shorter approval timelines, several European nuclear firms, including Newcleo, Orano and Urenco, are considering relocating key industrial investments to the United States.

Vallourec to deliver over 30,000 tonnes of pipes for TotalEnergies in Iraq

TotalEnergies has tasked Vallourec with supplying tubular solutions for drilling 48 wells as part of its integrated gas project in Iraq, reinforcing their ongoing industrial cooperation on the Ratawi field.
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Framatome launches pilot line for TRISO nuclear fuel in France

Framatome will produce TRISO fuel at Romans-sur-Isère as part of a pilot project for advanced nuclear reactors, in partnership with actors such as Blue Capsule Technology.

Five companies launch SupraMarine to test offshore superconducting cables

The consortium brings together Air Liquide, RTE, Nexans, ITP Interpipe and CentraleSupélec to develop a demonstrator for offshore electricity transport using superconducting cables cooled with liquid nitrogen.

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes and Sunrock conclude a partnership to install four photovoltaic plants in France

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes and Sunrock announce the signing of contracts for the installation of four photovoltaic plants on logistics buildings, representing a total installed capacity of 12.5 MWc.

Octopus Energy invests in four new renewable energy projects in France

Octopus Energy Generation announces four new investments in renewable energy in France, bringing the total capacity of its assets in the country to over 500 MW, with a target of one billion euros invested by 2025.

BayWa r.e. finalises sale of solar projects in France with a total capacity of 127 MWp

BayWa r.e. has completed the sale of a solar project portfolio in France with a total capacity of 127 MWp, marking a strategic development in its renewable asset portfolio.
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Harmony Energy sells 200 MW energy storage project to EDF Renewables Polska

Harmony Energy has completed the sale of a 200 MW battery energy storage project to EDF Renewables Polska, strengthening its position in the Polish market while supporting the country’s energy transition.

France: Fabrice Coudour takes over FNME-CGT, a key union in the energy sector

The National Federation of Mines and Energy of the General Confederation of Labour (FNME-CGT) has elected Fabrice Coudour as secretary general. He succeeds Sébastien Ménesplier and inherits strategic issues, including the opening of hydropower concessions to competition.

Nexans sells its industrial division Lynxeo to Latour Capital for 525 million euros

Nexans has announced that it has entered into exclusive negotiations with the investment fund Latour Capital for the sale of Lynxeo, its industrial cable division, for an amount of 525 million euros. This transaction is part of the group’s strategy to focus on electrification.
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France: Carester launches rare earth recycling plant in Lacq with €216 mn funding

Lyon-based company Carester has begun construction of a rare earth recycling and refining plant in Lacq, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, after securing €216 million in funding from the French government and Japanese partners. The site, named Caremag, is set to begin operations by the end of 2026.

France: uncertainties and challenges in industrial transformation at Fos-sur-Mer

In Fos-sur-Mer, the transformation of the industrial-port zone into a low-carbon industrial hub raises both ambitions and questions. Despite announced investments, challenges related to infrastructure, energy, and timelines remain significant.

Engie Finalizes Extension of Doel-Tihange Reactors with Belgian State

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.
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France: EDF Renouvelables faces justice over the mortality of protected birds

The Montpellier criminal court must rule on the criminal liability of EDF Renouvelables and its subcontractors regarding the excessive mortality of protected birds at the Causse d’Aumelas wind farm, located in a Natura 2000 zone.

France authorises the reuse of wastewater in industry and nuclear sectors

The French government has issued a decree expanding the use of treated wastewater to industrial and nuclear sectors, aiming to reduce pressure on water resources.

Compliance of EPR2 Penly concrete: Eiffage and EDF refute allegations

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.
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Emmanuel Macron to Chair Nuclear Policy Council Focused on SMRs and Uranium Supply

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.

Washington approves $4.7 billion loan for TotalEnergies in Mozambique

The United States reactivates a major loan for TotalEnergies' Mozambique LNG project, stalled since 2021 due to a jihadist attack. The funding should enable a market-anticipated restart by 2030.

Major companies pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050

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.
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UK: 3.6% reduction in emissions in 2024, coal usage at historic low

UK greenhouse gas emissions decreased by 3.6% in 2024, marking a slowdown in the pace of reduction. The end of coal usage in electricity production and the rise in electric vehicles contributed to this trend.

More than 160 Senators Call for a Revision of the French Multi-Year Energy Programme

More than 160 senators from the right and centre have urged François Bayrou to suspend the publication of the third Multi-Year Energy Programme (PPE 3), criticizing its lack of a comprehensive vision and calling for greater parliamentary involvement in defining the energy mix.

Tesla plans to double its production in the United States by 2027

Elon Musk announced that Tesla will increase its electric vehicle production in the United States over the next two years. This statement comes as the company faces declining sales and stock market volatility.
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Viridien raises $925 million to refinance its debt

Viridien S.A. has completed a $925 million senior secured bond issuance to refinance its second-lien debt and strengthen its liquidity profile. Rating agencies have upgraded their assessments following this transaction.

Newcleo and Danieli Sign Nuclear Partnership to Decarbonize European Steel Industry

Newcleo and Danieli have signed a strategic agreement to integrate advanced nuclear reactors into steel production processes, aiming to eliminate fossil fuel use amid rising energy costs in Europe's industrial sectors.