France

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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

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.
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Q ENERGY commissions new 26 MW wind farm in Haute-Marne

Developer Q ENERGY has inaugurated a seventh wind farm in Biesles, Haute-Marne, with Velto Renewables acquiring a 50% ownership stake.

Wind fisher launches first Magnus-effect wind turbine to harness high-altitude winds

French start-up Wind fisher unveils a pioneering airborne wind system capable of producing twice as much electricity as a ground-based turbine by tapping into powerful winds above 300 metres.

Lhyfe to deliver 90 tonnes of RFNBO hydrogen to a German operator over 15 months

French hydrogen producer Lhyfe has signed an agreement to supply 90 tonnes of RFNBO-certified hydrogen to a private fuel station operator in Germany for a fleet of buses.
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Boralex secures 125 MW in France’s PPE2 wind tender

The Canadian energy producer led the tenth wind tender launched by the CRE, with two projects representing 13% of the allocated capacity, strengthening its strategic position in the French market.

BW Ideol secures up to €74mn for concrete floater plant in Fos-sur-Mer

The European Commission has selected BW Ideol’s Fos3F project for a grant of up to €74mn, targeting the construction of a concrete floater plant for floating wind turbines at the industrial site of Fos-sur-Mer.

Boralex deepens its losses in Q3 despite 7% production increase

Canadian company Boralex reported a net loss of CAD30mn in the third quarter, impacted by lower electricity prices in France and adverse weather conditions in North America.
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Orano recovers its representative in Niger amid growing nuclear tensions

French nuclear group Orano has confirmed the release of its representative in Niger, detained since May, as tensions remain high with the country’s junta over control of uranium assets.

French consortium invests €7.3mn in offshore superconductivity project

A pilot project backed by the state aims to modernise electricity transport between offshore wind farms and the mainland grid using superconducting cables cooled with liquid nitrogen.

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.

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.
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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.

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.
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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.

Fourteen European Employers’ Federations Launch the Nuclear Employers’ Alliance to Strengthen the Industry

The Medef and thirteen other European employers' organizations launch an initiative to support the nuclear sector in the EU, in response to increasing competitiveness challenges exacerbated by international politics and global economic tensions.

3 billion euros invested in the deployment of fast charging stations in France

France announces a 3 billion euro investment to accelerate the installation of fast charging stations for electric vehicles, aiming to meet growing demand and support the energy transition.
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France’s 100 Billion Investment in Power Grid: Limited Impact on Bills, According to RTE

France will invest €100 billion to modernize its power grid by 2035. However, the impact on consumer bills will be limited, according to the network manager RTE.

TotalEnergies signs a 10-year contract to supply LNG to GSPC

TotalEnergies has entered into an agreement with Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Limited (GSPC) to deliver 400,000 tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) per year starting in 2026. This ten-year contract strengthens the French group's presence in the Indian energy market.

Maurel & Prom acquires 40% of the Sinu-9 gas permit in Colombia

Maurel & Prom has entered into a definitive agreement with NG Energy International to acquire 40% of the operated shares in the Sinu-9 gas permit in Colombia. This acquisition aligns with the group’s regional expansion strategy and strengthens its involvement in the Colombian gas sector.
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France-India: Towards Strengthening Nuclear and Energy Partnership

Emmanuel Macron and Narendra Modi meet in Marseille to deepen their energy cooperation. The visit to the ITER nuclear fusion project and discussions on small modular reactors (SMRs) illustrate the ambition of a strategic collaboration between France and India.

AFD and Watt For Change finance three energy projects in Africa

The Watt For Change Foundation and the French Development Agency are joining forces to support three initiatives aimed at improving access to renewable energy in Benin, Mauritania, and Madagascar. A €860,000 three-year partnership dedicated to assisting local associations.

EDF leverages its industrial sites to host data centers

EDF plans to host data centers on six industrial sites already connected to the power grid. This initiative aims to accelerate the installation of digital infrastructure while optimizing its land assets. A call for expressions of interest will be launched by the end of February.
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Macron opposes French nuclear energy to Trump’s oil drilling

At the World Summit on Artificial Intelligence in Paris, Emmanuel Macron highlighted nuclear energy as a power source for technological infrastructures, countering Donald Trump's plans to massively expand oil drilling in the United States.

BP revises its strategy after a 97% drop in net profit

BP announces a strategic shift following a collapse in its 2024 profits. Under pressure from activist investors, the British group must balance profitability with the transformation of its asset portfolio in a changing market environment.

IEA Launches Observatory to Monitor AI’s Energy Impact

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is preparing to launch a global observatory in April to measure the energy footprint of data centers. This initiative aims to centralize reliable data as electricity consumption linked to artificial intelligence (AI) continues to grow rapidly.
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Eiffage Énergie Systèmes to Deploy 1,050 Charging Stations for GRDF by 2029

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes has signed an agreement with GRDF for the installation and maintenance of 1,050 charging points for its electric fleet. Spread across 126 sites, these facilities will be deployed over five years, with a commitment to high availability and rapid maintenance.

Mantle8 raises €3.4 million for natural hydrogen exploration

French startup Mantle8, specialized in detecting and analyzing natural hydrogen, has just raised €3.4 million. This funding will enable it to accelerate its research and industrialize its technology for precise and rapid prospecting of buried hydrogen reserves.