EDF announces the completion of the acquisition of GE Vernova's steam nuclear activities covering conventional island equipment for nuclear power plants[1] excluding servicing activities in the Americas. This acquisition follows on from the exclusivity agreement signed between EDF and GE on 10 February 2022[2], the final agreement signed on 4 November 2022[3], and the fulfilment of all required conditions.
This acquisition will enable the EDF Group to acquire key technologies and skills for the nuclear industry and European energy security. These activities, employing around 3,300 people, will be managed by Arabelle Solutions a wholly-owned subsidiary of EDF.
Arabelle Solutions will supply equipment for new nuclear power plants and will also maintain and upgrade equipment in existing nuclear power plants.
Arabelle Solutions steam turbines will be used in particular in the EPR, EPR2 (European Pressurized Reactor) and SMR (Small Modular Reactor) reactor series.
Luc Rémont, Chairman and Chief Executive officer of EDF states: "I am delighted that one of the flagships of the nuclear industry, Arabelle Solutions, is, as of now, a part of the EDF Group, enabling us to deploy the technologies and the maintenance services that are pivotal both for EDF and other nuclear operators in France and abroad. This acquisition supports the relaunch of nuclear reactor construction, which Europe needs in order to decarbonise its economy and ensure its energy sovereignty, with a fully autonomous European industrial sector. Arabelle Solutions will strengthen our industrial expertise in the nuclear value chain alongside Framatome. Bernard Fontana, CEO of Framatome, has been appointed Chairman of the Board of Arabelle Solutions.
Frédéric Wiscart, Chief Executive officer of Arabelle Solutions, states: "We are very pleased to be joining the EDF Group and strengthening our longstanding partnership. As a world leader in nuclear turbine island technologies with extensive service capabilities, a third of the world's nuclear power plants already rely on our steam turbine technology and services to generate carbon-free electricity. With decades of innovation in nuclear power behind us, Arabelle Solutions is in an excellent position to support the growing number of countries that view nuclear power as a reliable, low-carbon energy source".
