Orano Plans Expansion of Enrichment Plant Capacity in France

21 Oct, 2023

Orano Plans Expansion of Enrichment Plant Capacity in France

Orano is embarking on a significant expansion project, set to add four more modules identical to the existing 14 modules, all employing well-established and eco-friendly technology. This endeavor aims to boost the capacity of the GB-II centrifuge enrichment plant by an additional 2.5 million separative work units (SWU), a common metric for uranium enrichment.

The GB-II facility, which succeeded the Georges Besse I gaseous diffusion enrichment plant upon its closure in June 2012, commenced operations in December 2010. It reached its full production capacity of 7.5 million SWU in 2016.

Orano's Chairman, Claude Imauven, explained, "In the current geopolitical context, the purpose of this increase in enrichment capacities is to strengthen Western energy sovereignty in France. Orano's choice aligns with our customers' demands to enhance their supply security, and we anticipate commencing production by 2028.

François Lurin, Senior Executive Vice President of Orano's Chemistry-Enrichment Business Unit, acknowledged the support of their customers and the dedicated technical and commercial teams from Orano involved in the project since March 2022. He conveyed, "The capacity expansion will empower the Orano Tricastin site to deliver low-carbon energy to around 120 million households every year."

Lurin also emphasized the crucial backing of Japanese (Japan France Enrichment Investing, a consortium of Japanese utilities) and Korean (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power) shareholders in the Tricastin enrichment company SETH (Société d'Enrichissement du Tricastin Holding) in realizing this expansion.

This strategic decision to extend capacity is in response to requests from some US and European customers seeking alternatives to Russian sources of supply. Lurin clarified that building an extension to existing capacities at the Tricastin site, specifically at the GB-II plant, was deemed the most viable solution. Production is scheduled to commence in 2028, with a gradual ramp-up over two to three years, ultimately reaching nominal production levels in 2030.