Faced with requests from some of its customers that no longer wish to obtain supplies of enriched uranium from Russian suppliers, France’s Orano group has said it has decided to increase its production capacity by 30%, which could involve an extension of the Georges-Besse II plant located in Tricastin. The National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP – Commission Nationale du Débat Public) therefore announced it is relaunching a consultation on the Georges Besse II gas centrifuge uranium enrichment plant to consider increasing the plant's capacity from 7.5 to 11 million SWU a year. The preliminary consultation is expected to start in the first quarter of 2023 in the territory of Tricastin. The cost of the project is estimated at €1.3 billion ($970m).

The CNDP is an independent body responsible for guaranteeing the public the "right to debate" on projects or policies with an impact on the environment. The outcome of all consultations or debates are made public.

The project for a new enrichment plant, Georges Besse II, was previously the subject of a public debate in 2004, which considered increasing the plant's capacities to 11m SWU. However, currently, Orano’s uranium enrichment plant in Pierrelatte on the Tricastin site is running at full capacity to produce 7.5 million SWU. The Georges Besse II enrichment plant was opened in December 2010 and began commercial operation in April 2011.

Announcing its decision to reopen the debate, CNDP said on 5 October that it had received a letter from Orano CEO Philippe Knoche requesting as decision on the terms for the follow-up public participation. The CNDP noted that more than five years has passed since the earlier public debate, cited a public consultation on energy announced by the French government, and support for increasing uranium enrichment capacities because of possible European sanctions on Russia that could lead to a shortage nuclear fuels.

The project provides for the creation of four additional natural uranium enrichment modules located to the north of the North Unit (from 6 to 10 modules). These new modules will be identical to the existing modules. In June, Orano Tricastin Director François Lurin was considering either an expansion of the GB II plant or the construction of a new site.

Image: Georges Besse II uranium enrichment plant (courtesy of Orano)