China-France nuclear power cooperation has strategic significance

On December 28, Paris time, the French government emphasized that building a "balanced" and "sustainable" nuclear energy cooperation with China holds significant strategic value. This statement came as French Foreign Ministry spokesperson Fanchan Floriani addressed a press conference, mentioning that the French Nuclear Policy Committee views EDF and Areva as key players in this partnership. The committee recommended developing an industrial collaboration between EDF, Areva, and China Guangdong Nuclear Power Group (CGNPC) within the defined framework. This development has sparked internal competition among French energy firms. In November 2012, under President Hollande’s guidance, EDF, Areva, and CGNPC signed a tripartite agreement to jointly design and construct a 1,000-megawatt nuclear power plant. However, the deal was seen as a compromise, driven by conflicting interests among French energy companies. According to Xinhua News, French media outlets such as *Le Nouvel Observateur* and *Le Canard Enchaine* have accused EDF of allegedly bypassing the government and striking a deal with CGNPC without proper oversight. Reports suggest that EDF had already signed a bilateral agreement with CGNPC in November 2011, excluding Areva. This move is now under investigation by the French Ministry of Finance, with concerns that it might undermine national interests. EDF's executive vice president, Herve Machenaud, clarified that while EDF did sign an agreement with CGNPC, Areva wasn't involved due to their close relationship. However, the agreement was later frozen by the French government. After tensions eased, Areva joined the negotiations, and a new tripartite agreement was signed a year later. EDF claimed the deal was fully approved by the government and included strict protections for intellectual property, dismissing fears of technology transfer as baseless. Meanwhile, the French government continues to investigate EDF’s cooperation with CGNPC. French Finance Minister Moscovici confirmed the probe but downplayed its significance, stating it was not aimed at any specific party or wrongdoing. He emphasized the need to protect French interests and ensure compliance with proper procedures. The French government’s involvement highlights its active role in shaping the nuclear export industry. Earlier this year, the French Nuclear Policy Committee stated that foreign collaborations must align with national strategies. As a result, the government is closely monitoring relationships between French nuclear firms and international partners. EDF, a major European energy company, operates over 120 GW of power stations, with 74.5% coming from nuclear sources. Areva, a global leader in nuclear technology, specializes in reactor design, fuel production, and waste management. Despite CGNPC’s ambitions to enhance its technical capabilities, experts note that it still lags behind other Chinese nuclear design institutes. Cao Wei, an energy analyst at Martec Magellan, explained that CGNPC seeks international partnerships to boost its expertise. With China’s nuclear project approval process becoming more selective, companies with strong design capabilities are gaining more favor. Nevertheless, EDF remains interested in CGNPC, particularly after its failed bid for the UAE’s nuclear program, where Areva’s large EPR reactors were deemed too costly. As the investigation unfolds, the future of the three-party collaboration remains uncertain. Given the sensitive nature of the nuclear industry, such strategic moves are common, reflecting the complex interplay of national interests and global competition.

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