The French Prime Minister Francois Fillon has granted GDF SUEZ a
33.33% block of shares plus one share in the company formed to
build and operate the EPR in Penly, alongside its partner EDF which
will hold the majority of the capital. As indicated previously, GDF
SUEZ has proposed to Total (Paris:FP) (LSE:TTA) (NYSE:TOT) that
they should join forces for this project.
GDF SUEZ and Total agreed on a partnership agreement with
respective stakes of 75% and 25% to jointly own this stake.
This decision reinforces GDF SUEZ's position, role and expertise
in the nuclear sector. For Total, this will be the first nuclear
project the Group is involved in.
The two Groups are happy with the government's decision and will
jointly contribute to the project's success, lead by EDF.
GĂ©rard Mestrallet: "This decision is a major step forward in the
implementation of GDF SUEZ nuclear strategy. The Group welcomes
this partnership with Total and EDF and will make this project a
success."
Christophe de Margerie declared "I am pleased that Total
contributes to this achievement alongside GDF SUEZ and EDF, which
will constitute a new reference for the Group."
This association strengthens the alliance between Areva, GDF
SUEZ and Total that is prepared to submit an offer to the bid
organized by Abu Dhabi.
GDF SUEZ and Total are already partners in numerous
international energy projects, in sectors as diverse as
hydrocarbons exploration and production, electricity production
through gas turbines in the E.A.U and even solar power, with their
common subsidiary Photovoltech in France and Belgium.