The French bank said it would no longer directly finance any oil and gas projects. But critics say the policy does nothing to sever ties with the companies themselves, allowing some oil and gas financing to continue.

Cooperation on hydrogen stemming from the new France-UK energy deal would benefit transport infrastructure and promote trade, say experts.

Amid soaring energy prices, French car manufacturer Renault has accelerated its Renaulution strategy to move away from gas usage at its sites. Renault follows in the footsteps of industrials who are larger gas consumers. But are more targeted regulatory incentives needed?

A new gas pipeline between France and Spain has been talked about for decades but even the current gas crisis may not result in the project being built.