EDF could unload US wind power to fund French nuclear

French state-owned giant said to consider divestment of 50% or more of North American renewable energy operations

Bernard Fontana, CEO of EDF, is under pressure to deliver at home.
Bernard Fontana, CEO of EDF, is under pressure to deliver at home.Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images

French giant EDF is mulling the sale of 50% of its renewable energy business in North America to help fund massive spending on nuclear at home, according to reports.

State-owned EDF believes it could bank around €2bn ($2.3bn) from such a divestment and could consider selling a larger stake if it received an appropriate offer, said financial newswire Bloomberg citing sources familiar with the discussions.

EDF had a net 4.86GW of non-hydro capacity in the US at the end of 2024 including wind, solar and storage, according to the group’s annual report. The reports of a potential divestment come as the policies of Donald Trump dampen expectations for future US renewables growth.

EDF is facing a €67bn bill to build six new nuclear reactors in France as well as paying for other power and grid projects in its home market.

New CEO Bernard Fontana is under pressure to secure French power supplies and drive down bills after replacing predecessor Luc Remont earlier this year.

French media had earlier reported that EDF is looking to sell assets to fund its plans.

EDF’s US interests include the Atlantic Shores offshore wind project in conjunction with Shell, which has been a target for Trump’s hostile policies towards the sector.

The group has booked a €900m write down on Atlantic Shores, which had a key permit abruptly pulled by the Trump administration.

EDF has been contacted for comment about the report.

The group told Bloomberg that EDF Power solutions, which includes renewables, is looking to release capital from some entities in North America and Brazil.
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Published 16 July 2025, 11:23Updated 16 July 2025, 11:36
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