The ambiguities of the proposal EDF Areva – Challenges.fr

Just arrived at the head of EDF, Jean-Bernard Lévy must be rubbing a burning issue: the rescue of the Areva nuclear group, which posted a loss of 4.9 billion euros in 2014

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Areva: a scandal of State smoldering for 20 years

In an interview with Le Figaro on Tuesday, Jean-Bernard Lévy proposes to purchase “activity reactors’ nuclear group Areva. This is the first official speaking of EDF management. But the proposal does not cleared all the questions of future ties between the electrician and Areva. Explanations of Laurent Meslin, partner at Colombus Consulting.

All the uncertainties over the future of Areva were they raised?

Not really. After speaking of Jean-Bernard Lévy, it is now certain that something will happen by June between the electrician and Areva. But no one yet knows which scenario will be accepted:

• Total Areva NP, formerly Framatome
• Only the sale of part engineering and major projects? that is to say the design and construction of new plants?
• Or a stronger partnership in the form of joint venture on these two key issues that are engineering and major projects for which EDF has a real return of experience as operator?

What is the reason for this persistent ambiguity?

In fact, the terms used by Jean-Bernard Lévy, including that of “reactors activity” are not specific enough to determine exactly the EDF plan to Areva. So it is a bit simplistic to say that with the current reactor current Business Group & amp; Services Areva, EDF will recover the “Framatome”.

To what does we headed then?

Making intelligent interleaving of various activities of Areva NP, where it makes sense from an industrial and economic point of view. For example, EDF Areva could help in conquering the Asian market by grouping together to design and build new reactors. Areva alone could focus on more mature Western markets and more profitable with already installed nuclear fleets that require maintenance, decommissioning and fuel supply.

Can such a plan do without obstacles?

The critical point is whether the factories related to Areva NP, which serve both markets (Western and Asian) will be part of a potential decision beyond control by the electrician. Also, do not underestimate the workload that the interleaving, even partial, is neither the complexity of such an operation.

Is that ‘there is a part of communication in this speech made by Jean-Bernard Lévy?

The media agitation on the subject is not necessarily innocent if we keep in mind there will undoubtedly social action or recapitalization of Areva with public money. This is to show that actors, EDF as well as the state, have done everything in their power to save the French nuclear industry.