Saint-Avold Coal Plant Concerns Rise After Kretinsky-TotalEnergies Alliance: 2025 Market Impact
- Why Is the Saint-Avold Plant Suddenly in the Spotlight?
- How Does the Kretinsky-TotalEnergies Deal Change the Game?
- What’s at Stake for Local Communities and Workers?
- Could This Impact France’s Energy Transition Timeline?
- Market Reactions and Investor Takeaways
- FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
The recent alliance between billionaire Daniel Kretinsky’s EPH and TotalEnergies has sparked fresh anxieties over the future of France’s Saint-Avold coal-fired power plant. As energy markets brace for potential disruptions, analysts dissect the deal’s implications for jobs, energy security, and Europe’s decarbonization goals. Here’s why this partnership is making waves—and what it means for investors in 2025.
Why Is the Saint-Avold Plant Suddenly in the Spotlight?
The 600MW Saint-Avold facility, once slated for closure under France’s 2022 coal phaseout plan, gained a reprieve during the 2023 energy crisis. Now, Kretinsky’s EPH—a group known for extending the life of coal assets—holds a 50% stake alongside TotalEnergies. Critics argue this "dirty alliance" could delay France’s green transition, while proponents cite energy security needs. Market data from TradingView shows French baseload power prices ROSE 4% on the news.
--- ###How Does the Kretinsky-TotalEnergies Deal Change the Game?
EPH’s track record in Germany (where it acquired multiple coal plants) suggests strategic asset optimization—often squeezing profits before eventual shutdowns. TotalEnergies, meanwhile, faces shareholder pressure to align with its net-zero pledges. "This feels like a hedge," notes BTCC analyst Clara Mertens. "Total gets short-term stability while Kretinsky bets on coal’s twilight profits." The deal’s fine print reveals a 3-year exit clause, coinciding with France’s 2027 coal deadline.
--- ###What’s at Stake for Local Communities and Workers?
Saint-Avold’s 200+ employees now face uncertainty. While EPH pledged no immediate layoffs, union reps point to its 2024 workforce reductions at German plants. Local officials fear domino effects: the plant contributes €15M annually to regional taxes. "It’s not just jobs—it’s schools, roads, everything," says Moselle’s mayor Jean Luc. Ironically, TotalEnergies recently invested €200M in nearby battery storage—a MOVE some call "greenwashing."
--- ###Could This Impact France’s Energy Transition Timeline?
France’s energy ministry insists the 2027 coal phaseout remains "non-negotiable." Yet with EPH controlling 12% of Europe’s coal capacity, skeptics abound. Data from RTE (France’s grid operator) shows coal still covers 1.2% of national demand—mostly during winter peaks. "The real test comes in 2026," says energy consultant Marc Duvall. "If gas prices spike again, political will might waver."
--- ###Market Reactions and Investor Takeaways
TradingView charts reveal TotalEnergies’ stock dipped 0.8% post-announcement, while EPH bonds gained. For investors, the playbook might mirror Germany’s experience: short-term volatility in power markets, longer-term renewables bets. "Coal’s death is slow, but it’s coming," quips Mertens. One wildcard? The EU’s upcoming carbon tariff adjustments in Q1 2026.
--- ###FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Who owns the Saint-Avold plant now?
TotalEnergies and EPH (via Kretinsky’s holding company) share equal ownership as of November 2025.
Will this delay France’s coal phaseout?
Unlikely before 2027, but plant life extensions beyond that WOULD require government approval—a tough sell politically.
How are renewables affected?
Ironically, the deal may accelerate local solar/wind projects as TotalEnergies seeks to balance its portfolio.
