Marie Dubois still remembers the day she thought her job might disappear forever. Working as an engineer at the Arabelle turbine factory in Belfort, she watched helplessly in 2015 as General Electric swooped in to buy her employer’s energy division from French giant Alstom. “We felt like we were losing a piece of France’s industrial soul,” she recalls, her voice heavy with emotion.
Fast forward to today, and Marie is smiling again. The same factory where she feared for her future is now buzzing with activity, preparing to build some of the most powerful steam turbines in the world. The reason? A massive €1 billion deal that’s putting the France nuclear supply chain back at the heart of Europe’s energy revolution.
This isn’t just about industrial contracts or corporate victories. It’s about energy security, national pride, and the race to build a cleaner future. When Poland announced its first nuclear power plant, choosing French turbines over competitors, it marked a stunning comeback for a supply chain that almost vanished into foreign hands.
When Coal Country Goes Nuclear
Poland’s energy story reads like a tale of dramatic transformation. For decades, this Eastern European powerhouse built its entire electricity system around one fuel: coal. Walk through the industrial heartlands of Silesia, and you’ll see the towering smokestacks that powered Polish homes and factories for generations.
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The numbers tell the story starkly. In 2022, more than 70% of Poland’s electricity came from coal, dug from local mines that employed thousands of workers. But times were changing fast. Rising carbon prices, tightening environmental regulations, and public pressure over air quality were making coal increasingly expensive and politically toxic.
By 2025, that coal dominance had already crumbled. The share dropped below 50% as natural gas, wind, and solar power rushed to fill the gap. Polish families were paying the price with higher electricity bills, while politicians scrambled to find reliable alternatives that wouldn’t break the national budget.
“Poland needed baseload power that could run 24/7, regardless of weather,” explains Dr. Anna Kowalski, an energy analyst at Warsaw University. “Nuclear was the only technology that could replace coal’s reliability while meeting climate goals.”
That’s when Warsaw made its historic decision. In January 2026, the government confirmed construction of Poland’s first nuclear power station at Lubiatowo, a windswept site on the Baltic Sea coast. The reactors would be American AP1000 units from Westinghouse, but the crucial turbines that convert nuclear heat into electricity? Those would be proudly made in France.
The Billion-Euro Comeback Story
The contract details read like a engineering enthusiast’s dream. Poland selected Arabelle Solutions, the French company based in Belfort, to supply three massive steam turbines for the Lubiatowo plant. Each turbine is rated at approximately 1,200 megawatts of electrical output – enough to power several million homes.
Here’s what makes this deal so significant for the France nuclear supply chain:
- Total contract value estimated between €1-2 billion
- Three Arabelle steam turbines, each producing 1,200 MW
- Commissioning planned from 2033 onwards
- Major boost for French nuclear technology exports
- Hundreds of high-skilled jobs secured in Belfort
- Strategic foothold in Eastern European energy markets
The timing couldn’t be more crucial. European countries are desperately seeking alternatives to Russian energy while accelerating their transition away from fossil fuels. Nuclear power offers the perfect solution: carbon-free electricity that works around the clock, regardless of wind conditions or sunshine.
| Component | Supplier | Country | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Reactors | Westinghouse | USA | 3 x 1,100 MW |
| Steam Turbines | Arabelle Solutions | France | 3 x 1,200 MW |
| Location | Lubiatowo | Poland | Baltic Coast |
| Timeline | 2033+ | – | Gradual Start |
“This contract proves that French nuclear expertise remains world-class,” notes Pierre Lambert, a former Areva executive who witnessed the industry’s turbulent decade. “We almost lost this capability entirely, but now we’re essential to Europe’s energy future.”
What This Means for European Energy Security
The ripple effects of Poland’s nuclear decision extend far beyond turbine manufacturing. This deal represents a fundamental shift in how European countries view energy security and industrial strategy.
For ordinary families across Europe, the implications are immediate and practical. Reliable nuclear baseload power helps stabilize electricity grids, reducing the risk of blackouts during peak demand periods. It also provides price stability, insulating consumers from the volatile swings that characterize fossil fuel markets.
The France nuclear supply chain benefits go deeper than just this single contract. Polish success creates a template for other Eastern European nations considering nuclear power. Countries like Bulgaria, Romania, and the Czech Republic are watching closely, potentially creating a pipeline of future orders worth tens of billions of euros.
“Poland’s nuclear program could trigger a domino effect across the region,” predicts Dr. Hans Mueller, an energy security expert at the Berlin Institute for Strategic Studies. “Every country wants energy independence, and nuclear offers that more than any other technology.”
For French workers like Marie Dubois, the emotional impact is just as important as the economic benefits. The Belfort factory, which faced an uncertain future after the Alstom sale, now has a clear mission and stable employment for years to come. The France nuclear supply chain has proven its resilience and relevance in an increasingly competitive global market.
The geopolitical dimensions are equally significant. By choosing French turbines over potential Chinese or Russian alternatives, Poland strengthens Western technological cooperation while reducing dependence on authoritarian regimes. This aligns perfectly with European Union goals of strategic autonomy and supply chain security.
Looking Beyond Poland’s Shores
This turbine deal represents just the beginning of what could become a nuclear renaissance across Europe. As countries race to meet ambitious climate targets while ensuring energy security, nuclear power offers an increasingly attractive solution.
The success of the France nuclear supply chain in winning the Polish contract sends a powerful message to competitors worldwide. Despite years of uncertainty and foreign ownership challenges, French nuclear technology remains competitive and desirable in international markets.
For Marie Dubois and her colleagues in Belfort, the future looks brighter than it has in years. The factory that once symbolized France’s industrial decline is now at the forefront of Europe’s clean energy transition, building the machines that will power millions of homes with carbon-free electricity for decades to come.
FAQs
How much is the Polish nuclear turbine contract worth?
The deal is estimated between €1-2 billion for three Arabelle steam turbines, with €1 billion being the most commonly cited figure.
When will Poland’s first nuclear plant start operating?
The Lubiatowo nuclear plant is scheduled for gradual commissioning starting in 2033, with all three reactors expected online by the mid-2030s.
Why did Poland choose French turbines over other suppliers?
Arabelle Solutions offers proven technology with strong European supply chain security, aligning with Poland’s strategic goals for energy independence.
How much power will these turbines generate?
Each turbine is rated at 1,200 MW, meaning the three units together can generate 3,600 MW of electricity – enough for several million households.
What happened to the French nuclear industry after Alstom was sold?
General Electric bought Alstom’s energy division in 2015, but the turbine business was later spun off as Arabelle Solutions, maintaining French expertise and jobs.
Could other European countries follow Poland’s nuclear example?
Yes, several Eastern European nations are considering nuclear programs, potentially creating additional opportunities for the France nuclear supply chain.