Anne Lauvergeon, Areva's impressive boss, is fiercely opposed to this, as it would dash her hopes of taking Areva public this year.

ECONOMIST: State aid in Europe

The explosions and the near-panic in Japan offer proof that "low-cost nuclear reactors are not the future", according to Anne Lauvergeon, chief executive of nuclear reactor maker Areva, who was interviewed by the television channel France 2.

BBC: Will Japanese crisis curb the rise of nuclear power?

This ought to give you a sense of the kind of confidence Anne Lauvergeon, chief executive of the French nuclear giant Areva, has: Her company signed an agreement to develop a new nuclear reactor in Fresno, Calif. in April.

FORBES: Areva Chief Talks Power

Anne Lauvergeon, chief executive of the French nuclear giant Areva, hinted last week during a meeting in Forbes offices that Areva is developing a hybrid solar power plant concept that combines a solar thermal system with solar photovoltaic (PV) panels.

FORBES: Solar Thermal or Solar Photovoltaic? Areva Says 'Both!'