The loss – compared with a break-even performance at the same stage in 2013 – included a €373m hit connected with discontinued renewables operations.

CEO Luc Oursel said the group loss “is the consequence of losses recorded in renewables operations, additional project-related provisions, asset write-downs, and a nuclear environment that has still deteriorated.”

He added: “The group continues to restructure its operations in renewable energies by entering into partnerships in promising markets, such as offshore wind and energy storage, and by discontinuing loss-making operations, such as concentrated solar power.”

Areva