Publication Laka-library:
Areva and EDF: business prospects and risks in nuclear energy

AuthorS.Thomas
-
DateMarch 2009
Classification 2.02.0.00/68 (FRANCE - GENERAL)

From the publication:

1. Introduction

Areva and Electricité de France (EDF) are French-based companies at the heart 
of worldwide attempts to re-launch nuclear ordering – the so-called Nuclear 
Renaissance. Areva is an electricity industry equipment supplier offering 
transmission and distribution equipment as well as the full range of civil nuclear 
technologies. For its nuclear business, it operates as Areva NP, a joint venture 
with the German company Siemens in which Areva holds 66% and Siemens the 
balance, although in January 2009, Siemens announced it would be withdrawing
from the joint venture (see below). EDF is an electric utility operating all the main 
generating technologies. The French state retains a majority holding in both 
companies although the priorities of their private shareholders, for EDF small 
shareholders and for Areva NP, Siemens, can no longer be ignored. In addition, 
the European Union law on unfair State Aids only allows governments to meet 
company losses or provide other assistance if such measures do not distort 
competition. For the markets Areva and EDF operate in, it would be hard to 
argue that any state aids did not distort competition.

This publication is digitally available in the Laka library, but it's not on-line.
E-mail us (info@laka.org) if you would like the pdf sent to you (with the subject, number and title). Of course you can also come by.