France Approves of Siemens/Alstom Tie-up if Jobs Spared
to Le Monde, Siemens would contribute rail assets valued at 7 billion euros ($8.4 billion) in return for 45-50 percent stake in Alstom under the deal being studied. The proposed tie-up is also being discussed between French President Emmanuel Macron's staff and their German counterparts in Angela Merkel's chancellery, Le Monde reported. Siemens and Alstom both declined to comment. Reporting by Jean-Baptiste Vey in Paris, Alexander Hübner in Munich and Georgina Prodhan in Frankfurt. Editing by Jane Merriman; Writing by Maya Nikolaev
Germans Push Renewable Energy Reform
The German government will give its blessing on Tuesday to a sweeping reform of renewable energy laws designed to slow cost increases as Europe's largest economy moves to nearly double its green power share to 45 percent by 2025. Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet will adopt reforms to put the 'Energiewende', or transition to renewable energy, on a sustainable path as Germany attempts to wean itself off of nuclear energy and fossil fuels without killing off industries and jobs. The reforms will slow the rapid expansion of green power, which already accounts for 25 percent of Germany's electricity;
