Marie Dubois remembers the day her grandfather’s factory in Belfort nearly closed its doors for the last time. The 67-year-old engineer had spent four decades building steam turbines at what would become Arabelle Solutions, watching orders dwindle as Europe turned away from nuclear power after Fukushima.
“We went from heroes to villains overnight,” she recalls, her voice still carrying the weight of those uncertain years. “My grandfather built turbines for France’s first nuclear plants in the 1970s. I thought I’d be the last generation to carry on that tradition.”
Today, Marie’s story is taking an unexpected turn. Her factory is buzzing again, preparing to deliver some of the most sophisticated steam turbines ever built – not for France, but for Poland’s first nuclear power plant on the Baltic coast. The €1 billion contract represents far more than just another deal; it signals France’s dramatic comeback in the global nuclear supply chain.
Poland’s Energy Revolution Breathes Life Into French Industry
Poland’s transformation from Europe’s coal capital to nuclear newcomer reads like an energy fairy tale. For generations, this nation powered itself almost entirely on coal and lignite. As recently as 2022, over 70% of Polish electricity came from burning these fossil fuels.
But rising carbon costs and environmental pressures changed everything. By mid-2025, coal’s share dropped below 50% for the first time in Polish history. Gas, renewables, and energy efficiency measures started filling the gap, but Poland needed something bigger – something that could provide reliable, carbon-free baseload power for decades.
The answer came in January 2026, when Warsaw confirmed construction of its first commercial nuclear power plant at Lubiatowo, right on the Baltic Sea coast. Three American-designed AP1000 reactors will anchor the project, but here’s where the story gets interesting for France.
“American nuclear technology will power the reactors, but the machines that actually turn heat into electricity will be French-built,” explains Dr. Henrik Kowalski, a nuclear industry analyst based in Warsaw.
The Billion-Euro Lifeline That Changed Everything
Arabelle Solutions, the turbine manufacturer based in Belfort, eastern France, landed the contract to provide Poland’s steam turbines. These aren’t just any machines – they’re massive rotating powerhouses that sit on the “conventional” side of nuclear plants, converting reactor-generated steam into electricity.
The numbers behind this deal tell a remarkable story:
| Component | Specification | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Number of turbines | 3 Arabelle units | Enough for 8+ million homes |
| Output per turbine | 1,200 megawatts | Equivalent to a major city’s needs |
| Contract value | €1-2 billion estimated | Largest single order in years |
| Timeline | First unit online 2033 | 8-year manufacturing cycle |
Industry insiders place the contract value between €1 billion and €2 billion, with most estimates clustering around €1.5 billion for the complete turbine package. Each turbine “island” – including condensers, generators, and auxiliary systems – now costs between €400 million and €600 million.
“These aren’t your grandfather’s turbines,” notes Jean-Pierre Lambert, a former Arabelle engineer turned consultant. “Modern safety requirements and efficiency demands have made each unit incredibly sophisticated and correspondingly expensive.”
The scope extends far beyond the spinning machinery itself. Arabelle’s contract covers the entire steam turbine island, including:
- Primary steam turbine assemblies
- High-efficiency condensers and cooling systems
- Advanced electrical generators
- Complex mechanical interfaces connecting conventional and nuclear systems
- Control systems and safety monitoring equipment
What This Means for Europe’s Nuclear Renaissance
This Polish contract represents more than just one factory’s good fortune. It signals a fundamental shift in how Europe approaches nuclear supply chain independence.
For years, European nuclear projects struggled with supply chain disruptions, cost overruns, and technical delays. Major components often came from disparate suppliers across multiple continents, creating coordination nightmares and quality control issues.
“We’re witnessing the rebirth of European nuclear manufacturing capability,” argues Dr. Elena Rossi, director of nuclear policy at the European Energy Institute. “Poland’s decision to source critical components from France rather than Asia shows confidence in our domestic supply chain.”
The ripple effects are already visible. Arabelle Solutions has announced plans to hire 300 additional engineers and technicians over the next two years. The company is also investing €150 million in new manufacturing equipment and testing facilities at its Belfort plant.
Other European nuclear suppliers are taking notice. Component manufacturers across France, Germany, and the Czech Republic report increased interest from utilities planning new nuclear projects. The success of the Polish deal has become a proof-of-concept for European nuclear supply chain reliability.
But perhaps most significantly, this contract demonstrates that nuclear power’s comeback isn’t just about climate goals – it’s about energy security and industrial sovereignty.
“Poland could have sourced these turbines from Asia at potentially lower cost,” observes Michel Petit, a nuclear trade specialist. “Choosing French suppliers sends a clear message about keeping critical energy infrastructure close to home.”
The Road Ahead for France’s Nuclear Ambitions
The Polish success is already opening new doors for French nuclear suppliers. Finland is evaluating French components for its planned reactor expansions. Romania is considering similar partnerships for its nuclear modernization program.
Back in Belfort, Marie Dubois is training a new generation of turbine engineers – young professionals who see nuclear power as tomorrow’s solution rather than yesterday’s mistake.
“My granddaughter started her engineering degree last year,” Marie smiles. “She wants to work in clean energy. For the first time in decades, I can honestly tell her that nuclear power has a bright future ahead.”
FAQs
What exactly is Arabelle Solutions and what do they make?
Arabelle Solutions is a French company based in Belfort that manufactures large steam turbines for nuclear power plants. These turbines convert steam from nuclear reactors into electricity.
Why is this Polish contract so important for France?
It represents France’s largest nuclear supply chain contract in years, proving that European nuclear manufacturing can compete globally and signaling a potential renaissance for the industry.
How much electricity will these turbines generate?
The three turbines will generate about 3,600 megawatts combined – enough to power roughly 8 million homes when all units are operational.
When will Poland’s nuclear plant start operating?
The first reactor unit is planned to come online in 2033, with the remaining two units following in subsequent years.
Could other countries follow Poland’s example?
Yes, several European nations including Finland and Romania are already exploring similar partnerships with French nuclear suppliers for their own nuclear programs.
What does this mean for Europe’s energy independence?
It strengthens Europe’s ability to build nuclear plants using domestic suppliers rather than relying on components from Asia, improving both energy security and supply chain resilience.
