France

Fusion Fuel launches €30mn hydrogen investment platform in Spain

Fusion Fuel, through its subsidiary BrightHy Solutions, has set up a €30mn ($32.9mn) funded platform to develop industrial hydrogen projects, with the first site expected in Spain in 2026.

Second natural hydrogen exploration permit granted to TBH2 Aquitaine

The French government has issued an exclusive mining exploration permit to TBH2 Aquitaine to explore natural hydrogen in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, bringing the young company’s total number of authorisations to two.

Nigerien junta rejects French accusations over uranium disappearance

Niger’s military regime disputes theft allegations by French prosecutors after uranium stock vanished from a nationalised site previously operated by Orano.
en_114029281232540

Gardanne biomass power plant restarts despite criticism over subsidies

After ten years of transition, the Provence thermal power plant now runs on biomass, but its economic model and forest impact continue to raise serious concerns.

BayWa r.e. sells 2.2 GW of projects and prepares for independence by 2028

BayWa r.e. continues its strategic transformation with the sale of 2.2 GW of projects, a withdrawal from Asian markets, internal reorganisation, and a rebranding planned for 2026.

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.
en_114024231225540

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.

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.
en_114023221227540

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.

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.
en_114021201239540

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.

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.
en_114018191231540

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.

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.
en_114018181247540

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.

France grants two exploration permits for natural hydrogen in Nouvelle-Aquitaine

Storengy and 45-8 ENERGY have secured two exclusive research permits to explore the natural hydrogen potential in southwestern France, reinforcing their role in a nascent sector.

Bernard Fontana to be heard by Parliament ahead of EDF leadership appointment

The head of Framatome will be heard on 30 April by both chambers to validate his nomination to lead EDF, following the non-renewal of Luc Rémont by the executive.

Repsol seeks to maintain operations in Venezuela despite US licence revocation

Repsol’s Chief Executive said the company is exploring options with US authorities to remain active in Venezuela following Washington’s decision to end sanctions waivers.
en_1140290947540-22

United States revokes Maurel & Prom’s oil licence in Venezuela

Maurel & Prom confirmed that US authorities cancelled its operating licence in Venezuela, while allowing it to finalise operations until 27 May.

Al Gore downplays Trump’s economic impact on global energy transition

Former US Vice President Al Gore stated in Paris that Donald Trump’s decisions will not durably hinder the global rise of renewable energies, driven by falling solar production costs.

Radioactive leak in Flamanville: EDF delays reactor restart by one month

A radioactive steam leak detected in the reactor building of Flamanville unit 1 forces EDF to postpone its restart by one month, according to the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority.
en_1140290943540-24

France: Marc Ferracci ready to submit energy roadmap to parliamentary vote

The Minister of Industry and Energy expressed openness to a debate and a vote on the 2025–2035 energy strategy, amid criticism from opposition parties over the lack of democratic consultation.

France delays energy voucher payment to November amid budget law holdup

France’s Ministry of Industry and Energy postpones the 2025 energy voucher to November, citing delayed budget approval and announcing revised allocation rules.

Emission decline slows in France with a limited 1.8% drop in 2024

France’s decarbonisation pace slowed significantly in 2024, according to Citepa, putting its 2030 climate targets at risk.
en_1140290959540-21

TotalEnergies supports Mozambican investigation into alleged crimes near gas site

TotalEnergies welcomed the launch of a criminal investigation in Mozambique into allegations of crimes committed by security forces near its suspended gas project in Cabo Delgado province.

Framatome to upgrade control systems at Switzerland’s Leibstadt nuclear power plant

French firm Framatome has been selected to modernise control systems at Switzerland’s Leibstadt nuclear plant, as part of a strategic investment aiming to extend its operation through 2045.

The European Union integrates Orano’s battery recycling project into its industrial strategy

Orano's French hydrometallurgy project has been designated as strategic by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act, aimed at securing the supply of critical raw materials.
en_1140290951540-21

Q ENERGY starts construction of 8.5 MWc solar park in Gers

Q ENERGY has launched construction works for an 8.5 MWc photovoltaic park in Cahuzac-sur-Adour, on a former industrial site, with commissioning scheduled for late 2025.

TotalEnergies cuts emissions by 2.9% in 2024 and stays on course

TotalEnergies reported a 2.9% drop in emissions for 2024, reaffirming its climate strategy ahead of a key general meeting.

GravitHy raises €60mn for hydrogen plant in Fos-sur-Mer

Low-carbon iron producer GravitHy announces a €60mn fundraising round, backed by industrial and public investors, to advance its plant project in Fos-sur-Mer, scheduled to begin operations in 2029.
en_1140290956540-20

HDF Energy multiplies revenue and launches industrial production in Blanquefort

Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) reports a sharp increase in annual revenue to €11.1mn and initiates production of its fuel cells at its Blanquefort industrial site, supported by €172.7mn in public funding.

Enerfip and CARBON launch citizen fundraising for strategic solar plant

CARBON partners with Enerfip to raise at least €1 mn in citizen funding for its planned photovoltaic gigafactory in Fos-sur-Mer, an industrial project backed by the solar sector.

GreenYellow equips three Sanofi sites in France with 4.5 MWc of solar carport systems

GreenYellow is installing self-consumption photovoltaic carports at three Sanofi sites under 15-year power purchase agreements, totalling 4.5 MWc of installed capacity.
en_1140290961540-16

France: The Renewable Energy Syndicate warns of a threat to agrivoltaics

The Renewable Energy Syndicate opposes the bill adopted by the Economic Affairs Committee, arguing that its provisions would end the development of agrivoltaics in France.

EDF: French government removes Luc Rémont over disagreements on industrial contracts and nuclear strategy

Luc Rémont was dismissed as head of EDF by the French executive due to disagreements over industrial contract strategy and financing of the EPR2 nuclear programme.