nuclear-news

France trying to sort out its nuclear energy business mess

Energy Minister Eric Besson  said the government would unveil a new framework for investments in the solar power sector by mid-February

France to decide on nuclear industry shake-up in Q1 Reuters, 14 Jan 2011, Government to hold nuclear policy council in next weeks* EDF, Areva partnership options to be reviewed* Areva against EDF leadership, says would hinder its sales* Committee reviewing candidates for Areva’s helm – minister By Marie MaitrePARIS, – France will hold a nuclear policy council in coming weeks to decide on the reorganisation of its nuclear industry and a possible partnership between nuclear power producer EDF (EDF.PA: Quote) and reactor maker Areva (CEPFi.PA: Quote). The announcement by Energy Minister Eric Besson on Friday came after months of public feud between the heads of both groups, which industry experts say has harmed the image of the French nuclear industry …….
The French government, which holds over 80 percent of EDF’s capital and more than 90 percent of Areva’s, announced the need for a reorganisation of the French nuclear industry after a consortium made of EDF, Areva, GDF Suez (GSZ.PA: Quote) and Total (TOTF.PA: Quote) lost a $40 billion nuclear deal in Abu Dhabi……
Industry sources have blamed the Abu Dhabi loss on the fact that France’s offer — Areva’s flagship 1,600 megawatt EPR reactor — was too powerful and expensive, and said the country had to adapt its technological offer to local needs or else risk missing out on more multi-billion dollar deals. [ID:nLDE60413X]……

Energy Minister Eric Besson  said the government would unveil a new framework for investments in the solar power sector by mid-February after announcing in December a moratorium on new projects in a move to quell a “speculative” bubble in the sector.

UPDATE 1-France to decide on nuclear industry shake-up in Q1 | Energy & Oil | Reuters

January 14, 2011 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | business and costs, France