Nevertheless the firm orders are expected

A few weeks after the dispute between EDF and Areva on fuel contracts, and then that run again the rumors of his departure, the patron saint of the nuclear group counterattack. Strong of its balance sheet, "atomic Anne" wants to discussions of "actual policy" with Henri Proglio.

What balance are you getting 2009

The three major objectives that we set in 2005 have been achieved: strengthen our position of world nuclear power, strengthen our presence in Europe, Asia and North America, and improve strong operational performance of the Transmission and Distribution, pole which was in a difficult situation when we bought it. We transferred this activity more than four times its purchase price. At the same time, our turnover increased by 40 and our order book has doubled in five years. We realized that we announced.

What are your objectives

We confirm our strategic directions on the horizon of 2012: build one-third of the new nuclear capabilities, secure the fuel cycle and develop our offer in renewable energies. It is the same for our financial objectives. We aim an operating margin to two figures and a turnover of EUR 12 billion against 8.5 billion in 2009.

After the failure of Abu Dhabi, what is your position on the world market

At Abu Dhabi, I note that we were six more companies the State to win and that today ' hui, curiously, Areva would be the only one to have lost! On the merits, I said, our goal is one-third of the market of new reactors. This means that two-thirds will not be for us. Being number one, it does not have a monopoly, but have better market share. No one can win all competitions.

Nevertheless, the firm orders are expected...

Ah good Yet, our order book continued to grow to more than 43 billion euros at end-2009. Never we have had so many negotiations in parallel! In reactors, they are also extremely advanced with EDF to the United Kingdom for 4 EPR, and we are in competition with Toshiba in the same country for E.ON and RWE clients. In India, an agreement in principle was signed in February 2009 with calendar for 2 EPR and their fuel. We are working on the project of Penly in France. Other very concrete negotiations take place in the United States.

GDF Suez to build your Atmea in France reactor in your future cooperation...

It is not to Areva to say how much it takes France reactors and where you put them, or to choose between EPR or Atmea. With regard to the long-term cooperation, many clients want to create a strong strategic relationship with us. They are already formalized with CGNPC Chinese, the Indian calendar, or the German E.ON. GDF Suez wishes to do the same.

Are you also considering this type of close cooperation with EDF

With EDF, we have a very strong historical cooperation. I call my wishes for years a remodelling and modernization of our relationship. We have many things to do together, both in France International, in particular in countries leaving zero in nuclear power and should provide full expertise.

You you therefore object to the idea of Henri Proglio EDF plays a role of leader in the sector

But Areva never intended be before! The leader, it is the client, it is he who decides. It is perfectly clear and it is not the appointment of Henri Proglio. The Chairman of our supervisory board, Jean-Cyril Spinetta has developed an excellent comparison: we are a provider of EDF in the same way that Airbus is a provider of Air France. Each skill. We are very happy to see EDF again conqueror, ambitious.

But, in view of your relationship with Henri Proglio, how imagine you work together

I have no relational problem with Henri Proglio! He has made statements questioning the Areva model before taking office. Today, I believe, things are once again more serene. Beyond the comprehensive agreement that we have to sign in the downstream of the cycle and the ongoing negotiations in the enrichment, I hope that we can have all of real strategic discussions.

On a personal level, you feel threatened

Rumors are weapons used by the cowards. I work in nuclear power have long. I have always tried to serve the best this industry and, through it, my country. I have never been spared, that attacks come from the anti-nuclear or elsewhere. It is a job that requires you to have fairly thick leather. It is clear that there is a campaign of destabilisation orchestrated by Parisian groups. They act in the interest of the France or in the interest of the nuclear industry, but for themselves. Seen by our foreign clients, it is appalling and incomprehensible. As the rumors of my possible departure, they have been denied week last by the Elysee.

With regard to these just rumours, it was you announced regularly at the head of the Medef. Is this position be you

I am absolutely not candidate for the Presidency of the Medef and I said to Laurence Parisot.

Questions about your personal future as the mission entrusted to François Roussely on the future of the nuclear sector are unlikely complicate your capital increase

Rumors are certainly counterproductive, but fortunately for the capital increase of Areva, selected investors have all been convinced by the group, its integrated model, its strategy and its teams. The discussions are conducted by our principal shareholder on the conditions of entry. Changes in what has been proposed to them certainly resume in question their involvement. And without capital increase, it will waive some of the developments to our strategy. It would therefore reverse the mission entrusted to François Roussely. I do a moment.

The full interview on lesechos.fr/interview