Paris: EDF, the French state-controlled electricity giant, is weighing the possibility of selling 50–100% of its U.S.-based renewable energy business, signaling a strategic shift from its earlier plan to offload only a minority stake. The potential full divestiture reflects EDF’s renewed emphasis on strengthening France’s nuclear power infrastructure, which remains the backbone of the nation’s electricity supply. CEO Bernard Fontana indicated that the move aims to prioritize domestic energy security and allocate resources toward the maintenance, upgrading, and expansion of the French nuclear fleet, rather than sustaining international renewable investments.
The U.S. renewables unit, previously valued at approximately €2 billion (around US$2.3 billion) by market sources, had been slated for a partial stake sale. However, EDF’s reconsideration toward a complete exit underscores the company’s belief that long-term growth and financial stability will be better served by concentrating on its core nuclear operations at home. Analysts note that this decision comes amid mounting pressures on EDF to ensure reliable power supply in France, especially as the country navigates energy transition challenges and seeks to maintain its low-carbon electricity mix.
Industry observers are now closely monitoring potential buyers for the U.S. renewable assets and how EDF plans to reinvest the capital freed by the sale. The outcome of this strategic pivot will have significant implications for both EDF’s international ambitions and France’s domestic nuclear energy strategy, reflecting a clear prioritization of national energy priorities over global renewable expansion.