Published on: 2026-07-14
Source: People’s Republic of China — Translation
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As reported on July 4 by the French newspaper Le Figaro, the heads of two giant French energy companies — EDF and TotalEnergies — spoke at an economic forum on the same day, openly stating that in the process of transitioning to low-carbon electrification, Europe should strengthen cooperation with the Chinese industry rather than adhere to a closed policy.
According to Agence France-Presse, the chairman of the board and CEO of EDF, Bernard Fontana, recently visited China to familiarize himself with the development of nuclear energy. He emphasized that French nuclear energy “has long-standing partnerships with Chinese friends.”
The efficiency of the Chinese nuclear industry made a deep impression on him: “What may take two years in France can be completed in two weeks in China.”
He also noted that the Chinese nuclear industry was initially developed with the support of France, but today the situation has reversed. In his opinion, China mainly provides them with practical and methodological assistance, and does so willingly. At the same time, he emphasized that his company will not become dependent on China but must actively adopt its experience.
Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, added: “The most impressive thing about the Chinese is their ability to execute. In China, if a decision is made to build a new plant, the entire industrial park can be constructed within two years, whereas in Europe, due to various administrative procedures, it is still under construction.”
Puyanne believes that Europe will not solve its problems by building a ‘Maginot Line’; Europe needs China, otherwise it will be among the laggards.
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