Closure of France's Last Coal Power Plant in Saint-Avold Amid Conversion Uncertainty
The Saint-Avold coal power plant in Moselle will not operate this winter as it awaits a potential conversion to gas, pending investment decisions from owner GazelEnergie. Despite a law facilitating the conversion, concerns persist over delays and a new joint venture that may exclude the plant, while GazelEnergie also lost a hydrogen supply contract. Local officials are considering alternative projects, including a textile recycling facility and a planned data center by 2028.
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The Saint-Avold coal power plant in Moselle will not operate through the winter as it awaits conversion to gas. Its owner, GazelEnergie, has not yet decided to invest in the conversion despite a law passed on April 7, 2025, allowing the change.
The project, estimated at €100 million, is expected to preserve 150 jobs. Concerns have arisen as GazelEnergie has delayed investment decisions, and a new joint venture between Total Energies and EPH could exclude the plant from the deal.
Meanwhile, GazelEnergie lost a hydrogen supply contract to competitor Verso, which secured a supply deal with SHS for 6,000 tons annually. Local officials are exploring other projects, including a potential textile recycling facility by CIRC, which may require GazelEnergie's involvement in infrastructure. GazelEnergie also plans to develop a data center by 2028 on-site.
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