Price of gas at the lowest and nuclear to stop, the summary of the energy news

Today, August 19, 2025, Selectra offers you a press review of the highlights of the energy world in France and in the European Union.

Price, networks and consumers in France

• The price of European gas at the lowest for 15 months : The price of gas on the European reference market (TTF) fell around € 30/MWh, its lowest level for 15 months. This drop is explained by high storage levels, supported imports of Norwegian LNG and gas, as well as by the anticipation of possible talks between Russia and the United States. More info
• Nuclear: nearly 4 GW at the end, the production of disturbed EDF : EDF faces production stops and discounts on several reactors, affecting nearly 4 GW capacity (around 6 % of national electricity). Tricastin 3 (regulation problem), Bugey 2 and Golfech 1 are affected (heat of rivers), as well as Gravelines 3 and 4 (presence of jellyfish in the cooling system). More info
• Explosion in Vénissieux: a death linked to a gas bottle : An explosion due to a gas bottle caused a death in a building in Vénissieux. According to the authorities, it is an “isolated” act linked to a flight. This tragic event recalls the importance of respecting the very strict safety rules concerning the use of gas cylinders in housing. More info

Production and future energy

• Floating wind: the EU validates 11 billion euros in aid for France : The European Commission approved a French aid program of 11 billion euros to support three floating offshore wind farms. This support, spread over 20 years, aims to accelerate the energy transition and strengthen the competitiveness of the European wind sector. More info
• The energy of the waves, future supplement of solar? : According to a study of Lut and Delft universities, Houlomotor energy has a strong potential to complete photovoltaic solar production. Stable and predictable, it could become competitive by 2035-2040 and strengthen the reliability of renewable electrical networks, especially in coastal areas and islands. More info

Climate and European Union

• Day of surpassing: humanity has exhausted the annual resources of the earth : According to the Global Footprint Network and WWF, on July 24, humanity had already consumed all the biological resources that the planet can regenerate in a year. This “day of surpassing” arrives earlier and earlier every year since the 1970s, highlighting the urgency of the ecological crisis. More info
• Recycling of batteries: a new European law changes the situation : A new European regulation, which entered into force on August 18, obliges manufacturers to finance the recycling of all batteries. This measure will explode the volumes to be treated (from 30,000 to 600,000 tonnes in France) and aims to create a circular economy to secure the supply of critical metals in the face of dependence on China. More info
• Climate: the EU is preparing its global strategy for COP30 : The European Commission launched a public consultation until September 11 to define its 2025-2029 climate and energy strategy. The objective is to prepare COP30 negotiations and strengthen global action for the energy transition. More info
• Carbon market: Brussels will extend aid to electro-intensive industries : The European Commission will update its guidelines on state aid to compensate for the indirect costs of the carbon market (ETS). New sectors, such as the chemical industry, will be able to benefit from aid to cope with the rise in electricity prices linked to the cost of CO2. More info