The project to expand the factory of Orano, ex-Areva, on the site of the nuclear power plant of Tricastin (Drôme) is becoming clearer.
The company presented this Wednesday a report on the consultation carried out by the national commission for public debate, indicates France Bleu Drôme Ardèche.
New equipment to produce more enriched uranium could come into service as early as 2028 after work started in 2024.
The demand for fuels used by nuclear power plants is increasing.
American customers, wishing to reduce their use of products from Russia, are particularly demanding, for example.
43% of the enriched uranium used in the world is produced by Russian Rosatom, against 12% by Orano.
Eventually, the French company could produce 11 million units of the enriched metal each year.
It now manufactures 7.5.
The extension of the plant, the cost of which is estimated at between 1.3 and 1.7 billion euros, will be the subject of several meetings from 7 February.
The public will also be consulted during operations organized on the markets.
Three site visits are also planned for March.
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Miscellaneous facts
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Tricastin
Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Areva
Nuclear plant
Uranium