Orano, a leader in uranium enrichment, is expanding its Georges Besse II plant in Tricastin, France. This expansion will provide a steady supply of enriched uranium for European utility companies. To support this, Orano signed a €400 million loan agreement with the European Investment Bank (EIB). The funding will increase the plant’s capacity and enhance Europe’s energy security.

EIB: Driving Innovation and Energy Security in Europe

The EIB is the EU’s lending arm. It funds projects focused on climate action, innovation, infrastructure, and energy security. In 2024, the EIB Group invested in:

• ~€89 billion (with the European Investment Fund) for over 900 major projects. France received the most, securing €12.6 billion.

• €31 billion for energy security projects will support €100 billion in renewables, grids, interconnections, and energy storage.

The EIB supports the Paris Climate Agreement. About 60% of its annual funding goes to climate-focused projects. More than two-thirds of these projects help environmental initiatives in France. This shows that energy security is a top priority for the EIB.

It also supports REPowerEU to support the energy transition and cut down reliance on foreign energy sources.

Similarly, EIB’s investment in Orano is crucial for cutting fossil fuel imports and boosting Europe’s low-carbon future.

Orano’s Uranium Hubs: Fueling the Future of Nuclear Energy

Orano Tricastin plays a vital role in uranium conversion, enrichment, and fluorine chemistry. Located in Drôme and Vaucluse, it is one of Europe’s largest industrial sites.

Orano has invested over €5 billion to modernize its facilities. Orano Malvési is in Narbonne. The Philippe Coste plant is at Tricastin. Georges Besse II is also included. The Philippe Coste conversion plant opened in 2018, while Georges Besse II has been operating since 2010.

These facilities set high standards in nuclear safety, environmental performance, and competitiveness. By providing a steady supply of enriched uranium, they support reliable electricity generation for the next 40 years.

Georges Besse II: The Uranium Enrichment Plant

Philippe Coste’s uranium is turned into uranium hexafluoride (UF6) at Georges Besse II (BNI No.168). This facility uses centrifuge technology, which has been in use in Europe for over 30 years. The site includes two enrichment plants: North and South. It also has REC II, a workshop for receiving, inspecting, and quality-checking materials.

• The plant currently produces 7.5 million Separative Work Units (SWU) annually. Orano’s expansion will raise this capacity by 30%, adding 2.5 million SWU.

Four new enrichment modules will be built with the same technology as the existing fourteen. This upgrade improves safety, efficiency, and competitiveness while reducing environmental impact.

Here’s a picture of the plant.

• READ MORE: Orano’s Bold Move: A Multi-Billion Dollar New Uranium Plant Set for Tennessee 

EU Greenlights Orano’s Expansion for Energy Security

The press release highlighted that on October 9, 2024, the European Commission approved Orano’s expansion under Article 41 of the Euratom Treaty. This confirms that the project aligns with Europe’s nuclear strategy and strengthens uranium supply security.

Furthermore, with the EIB loan, Orano is investing in high-tech equipment using European technology and partnering with French companies. The total investment is nearly 1.7 billion euros. The project began with a groundbreaking ceremony on October 10, 2024.

Production will start in 2028, with full operations expected by 2030.

Orano’s Commitment to Safety and Sustainability

Safety and environmental responsibility are central to Orano’s operations. Its Nuclear Safety-Environment Policy focuses on eight priorities, including facility safety, operational efficiency, and environmental performance. These priorities guide efforts to minimize risks while ensuring sustainability.

Reducing Carbon Footprint

Orano is cutting emissions and improving energy efficiency to tackle climate challenges. It works with suppliers to cut Scope 3 emissions. This helps create a sustainable supply chain.

• In 2023, Orano’s total emissions were 2,084 ktCO₂e, with 339 ktCO₂e from scopes 1 and 2. This represents a 29% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2019.

Orano plans to reduce its direct and indirect GHG emissions by 25% by 2025, based on 2019 levels. This goal aligns with the 1.5°C climate trajectory.

Conservation Efforts

Another focus is on protecting and boosting biodiversity. This is done by preserving natural ecosystems near its sites. Orano has cut water use and boosted recycling. Since 2019, it has achieved a 39% drop in water consumption, exceeding its goal.

The company minimizes waste and maximizes reuse to promote a circular economy. Orano also creates sustainable projects that match its long-term environmental goals.

Orano’s expansion, supported by the EIB, boosts Europe’s nuclear energy supply. It also helps build a low-carbon future. This project contributes to a more sustainable, competitive, and self-sufficient energy system.

• FURTHER READING: 2025 Uranium Outlook: Will this Critical Commodity Endure its Golden Glow? 

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