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Orano

Orano is a French nuclear energy company providing services across the nuclear fuel cycle, from mining to waste treatment, and developing battery recycling activities.

Lobbying Activity

Orano urges EU to include nuclear in Advanced Materials Act

13 Jan 2026
Topic — This consultation seeks feedback on the proposed Advanced Materials Act for industrial competitiveness.
Message — Orano requests securing supply chains for materials essential to nuclear infrastructure. They propose funding synergies between Euratom and Horizon Europe for materials research. They also support standardising production technologies to accelerate the deployment of nuclear projects.123
Why — Securing domestic supply would reduce Orano's dependence on specialized manufacturers in third countries.45
Impact — Manufacturers in third countries lose market share as the EU develops sovereign supply chains.6
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Meeting with Simone Ritzek-Seidl (Cabinet of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas)

9 Jan 2026 · Representatives of ORANO on automotive package, and particularly the EV battery value chain.

Meeting with Radan Kanev (Member of the European Parliament)

10 Dec 2025 · Supporting European critical raw material projects

Meeting with Bart Groothuis (Member of the European Parliament)

8 Dec 2025 · Nuclear energy and batteries

Orano Demands EU Taxonomy Recognition for Nuclear Fuel Cycle

5 Dec 2025
Topic — The European Commission is reviewing technical screening criteria for the EU taxonomy.
Message — Orano requests that nuclear fuel cycle activities, from mining to reprocessing, be fully recognized in the taxonomy. They argue these processes are essential for energy security and supporting net-zero technologies.12
Why — Inclusion would unlock significant public and private funding for the group's major infrastructure projects.34
Impact — Russian energy suppliers would lose market share as Europe reduces its nuclear fuel dependence.5
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Orano urges EU support for nuclear fuel cycle technologies

4 Dec 2025
Topic — The European Commission is consulting on the future deployment of small modular reactors.
Message — Orano requests the inclusion of fuel cycle activities in the sustainable investment taxonomy. They advocate for public funding to develop supply chains for advanced nuclear fuels.123
Why — EU backing would de-risk Orano’s investments in its French fuel reprocessing facilities.4
Impact — Coal-reliant energy producers lose as nuclear technology targets the replacement of coal plants.5
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Meeting with Stéphane Séjourné (Executive Vice-President) and ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE and

17 Nov 2025 · Compétitivité et politique industrielle

Orano urges nuclear inclusion in new European Competitiveness Fund

7 Nov 2025
Topic — The Commission is planning the EU's post-2027 budget to enhance industrial competitiveness.
Message — Orano requests that all EU financial instruments be fully and explicitly open to nuclear projects. They emphasize prioritizing fission research to support the Union's decarbonization goals and strategic autonomy. The group calls for nuclear's recognition as a net-zero technology within the Competitiveness Fund.123
Why — This would provide Orano with significant public funding to scale up its nuclear industrialization projects.45
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Orano urges binding CRM targets and EU battery recycling protection

6 Nov 2025
Topic — Regulation establishing framework for circular economy and secondary raw materials.
Message — Orano requests making the CRMA's 2030 benchmarks legally binding and prohibiting black mass exports outside the EU. They call for mandatory permanent magnet recycling by 2030, systematic funding for CRMA Strategic Projects, and harmonized End-of-Waste criteria at EU level to facilitate cross-border material flows.12345
Why — This would secure feedstock for Orano's nuclear and battery recycling operations in Europe.678
Impact — Non-EU recyclers lose access to European battery waste and critical material streams.910
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Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament) and Fortum Oyj and

6 Nov 2025 · Politique énergétique européenne

Meeting with François Kalfon (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Oct 2025 · REPowerEU et Battery Booster Strategy

Meeting with François-Xavier Bellamy (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Oct 2025 · Souveraineté énergétique

Meeting with Pierre Jouvet (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Oct 2025 · La filière du recyclage des batteries et les projets innovants du groupe

Meeting with Sacha Halphen (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

17 Oct 2025 · Nucléaire

Meeting with Michael Huebel (Director Energy) and

16 Oct 2025 · A technical meeting between the EC/ESA and Orano on the roles of DG ENER and ESA in EU’s nuclear policy and the Euratom framework.

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

15 Oct 2025 · Politique énergétique européenne

Meeting with Matthieu Moulonguet (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra), Miguel Jose Garcia Jones (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra), Patrice Pillet (Cabinet of Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra)

14 Oct 2025 · Battery production and value-chain

Nuclear fuel company Orano urges EU to strengthen nuclear supply security

13 Oct 2025
Topic — Revision of EU energy security framework for decarbonised, electrified energy system.
Message — Orano requests progressive reduction of Russian uranium imports through degressive quotas on electricity producers, anti-circumvention measures via ESA monitoring, and promotion of spent fuel reprocessing technologies. They also seek EU funding for advanced reactor fuel development and inclusion of nuclear fuel cycle activities in the EU taxonomy.12345
Why — This would secure their market position across the nuclear fuel cycle and enable new business in advanced reactor fuels.67
Impact — Russian uranium suppliers lose EU market share through progressive quota restrictions and circumvention monitoring.89
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Meeting with Ditte Juul-Joergensen (Director-General Energy)

26 Sept 2025 · EU-US cooperation on nuclear, REPowerEU (Companies: Nuclear Energy Institute, Framatome, Orano, Urenco USA, GE Vernova, Westinghouse)

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

25 Sept 2025 · Battery value chain

Nuclear firm Orano urges EU to boost innovation funding and reduce red tape

24 Sept 2025
Topic — EU framework to strengthen innovation ecosystem and attract investment for innovative companies.
Message — Orano requests increased R&D budgets for Horizon Europe and Euratom, harmonized regulations across member states, and reformed Innovation Fund procedures with reduced administrative burdens and more frequent calls. They emphasize nuclear technologies must be eligible for net-zero funding.1234
Why — This would enable them to access EU funding and test innovative nuclear medicine products in Europe rather than the US.56
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Meeting with Matej Tonin (Member of the European Parliament)

24 Sept 2025 · Topics on nuclear energy

Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Sept 2025 · Battery Value Chain

Meeting with Thomas Pellerin-Carlin (Member of the European Parliament)

19 Sept 2025 · EU energy dependency with Russia & Nuclear energy

Orano Urges Nuclear Inclusion in 2040 EU Climate Strategy

3 Sept 2025
Topic — Amending the European Climate Law to establish an intermediate carbon reduction target for 2040.
Message — Orano requests a shift toward technological neutrality by including nuclear power alongside renewables in the EU's energy governance. They advocate for a low-carbon energy directive and better funding for the nuclear fuel cycle.12
Why — These changes would unlock new funding streams and provide political certainty for Orano’s nuclear fuel business.3
Impact — Member States could face legal conflicts between renewable mandates and their sovereign right to use nuclear energy.4
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Meeting with Jan Ceyssens (Cabinet of Commissioner Jessika Roswall) and TotalEnergies SE and

22 Jul 2025 · EU environmental policies

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné) and TotalEnergies SE and

10 Jul 2025 · Clean industrial deal Financement Simplification

Meeting with Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea (Director Environment) and Solvay SA and Alliance des Minerais, Minéraux et Métaux

9 Jul 2025 · Exchange of views on waste codes for permanent magnet waste

Meeting with Massimo Garribba (Deputy Director-General Energy) and

8 Jul 2025 · A technical meeting between EC/ESA and Orano on the European Commission Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports

Response to EU Fusion Strategy

27 Jun 2025

Orano thanks the European Commission for this opportunity to share feedback. Please find attached our answer.
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Meeting with Stefano Ciccarello (Head of Unit Energy)

13 Jun 2025 · A technical meeting between EC/ESA and Orano on the European Commission Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports

Meeting with Pierre Pimpie (Member of the European Parliament)

11 Jun 2025 · Commerce de l'uranium

Meeting with Margareta Djordjevic (Head of Unit Energy), Stefano Ciccarello (Head of Unit Energy)

3 Jun 2025 · A technical meeting between EC/ESA and Orano on the European Commission Roadmap towards ending Russian energy imports

Meeting with Beatrice Coda (Head of Unit Research and Innovation)

28 May 2025 · Presentation of Orano and its activities, introduction to the unit C2, DG Research and Innovation

Meeting with Alexandre Adam (Cabinet of President Ursula von der Leyen)

26 May 2025 · Exchange of views on the future of recycling batteries

Meeting with Bruno Tobback (Member of the European Parliament)

21 May 2025 · Phase out of Russian nuclear fuels

Orano Urges EU Investment and Quotas on Russian Nuclear Imports

12 May 2025
Topic — European Commission consultation on investment needs across the entire nuclear energy lifecycle.
Message — Orano calls for nuclear fuel cycle activities to be included in the EU taxonomy. They propose import quotas on non-OECD materials to ensure market predictability for European projects. Finally, they request full access to EU funding and streamlined regulatory procedures.123
Why — These policy changes would de-risk Orano’s multibillion-euro investments and provide long-term market predictability.45
Impact — Russian and Chinese state companies would lose market access due to proposed import quotas.67
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Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

24 Apr 2025 · Automotive

Meeting with Margareta Djordjevic (Head of Unit Energy), Stefano Ciccarello (Head of Unit Energy)

5 Mar 2025 · Technical meeting between EC/ESA and Orano on the nuclear supply chain and the latest developments in Orano’s activities

Orano urges EU to include nuclear medicine in critical list

21 Feb 2025
Topic — The consultation addresses supply chain vulnerabilities and dependencies for critical European medicines.
Message — Orano requests expanding the EU's critical medicines list to include emerging radioelement treatments. They also call for an ambitious budget for the European Radioisotope Valley Initiative. Finally, they advocate for stronger financial incentives through state aid frameworks.123
Why — This framework would secure subsidies and market support for Orano's radioisotope production.4
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Meeting with François-Xavier Bellamy (Member of the European Parliament)

20 Feb 2025 · Souveraineté énergétique

Response to List of net-zero technology final products and their main specific components

19 Feb 2025

Orano thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give feedback on this proposal. Please find attached our answer, espacially regarding the nuclear fuel cycle components.
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Response to Delegated act on primarily used components under the Net-Zero Industry Act

19 Feb 2025

Orano thanks the European Commission for the opportunity to give feedback on this proposal. Please find attached our answer, espacially regarding the nuclear fuel cycle components.
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Meeting with Stefano Soro (Head of Unit Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs)

12 Feb 2025 · Presentation of ORANO batteries, Exchange of views regarding the battery industry

Meeting with Helena Hinto (Cabinet of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas), Simone Ritzek-Seidl (Cabinet of Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas)

11 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on automotive sector

Meeting with Aurel Ciobanu-Dordea (Director Environment)

11 Feb 2025 · Exchange of views on the Batteries Regulation

Meeting with Arthur Corbin (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné)

6 Feb 2025 · Nuclear, Battery

Meeting with João Cotrim De Figueiredo (Member of the European Parliament)

9 Dec 2024 · Energy

Meeting with Laurent Castillo (Member of the European Parliament)

4 Dec 2024 · Médecine nucléaire

Meeting with Kris Van Dijck (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Nov 2024 · nuclear energy

Meeting with Stéphanie Yon-Courtin (Member of the European Parliament)

26 Nov 2024 · Nucléaire

Orano urges EU to reward innovative battery material recovery

18 Oct 2024
Topic — The Commission is establishing methodologies for calculating efficiency and material recovery in battery recycling.
Message — Orano seeks a clearer definition of black mass as an intermediate fraction for consistent classification. They advocate for efficiency calculations that reward the recovery of materials like strategic graphite. Additionally, they propose mandatory documentation for batteries processed outside of the EU.123
Why — These changes would highlight Orano's advanced recovery capabilities and reduce competition from non-EU recyclers.45
Impact — Recycling facilities outside the EU would face stricter verification and increased administrative requirements.67
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Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament) and ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE and France Hydrogène

17 Oct 2024 · Politique énergétique européenne

Response to Interim evaluation of the Fusion for Energy Joint Undertaking

26 Aug 2024

Our company is pleased to present its perspective on the Fusion for Energy Joint Undertaking. The key points are outlined in the attached document.
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Response to Interim evaluation of the Euratom Research and Training Programme 2021-2025

8 May 2024

Orano, as a European company, boasts unique, internationally recognized expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle. Orano is convinced that nuclear energy is an essential asset in supporting the European Unions (EU) climate neutrality objective by 2050, its strategic autonomy and its technological sovereignty. In that sense, Orano is committed to providing nuclear operators with secure and competitive access to nuclear materials, including recycled fuel, and proven industrial solutions for the management of used fuel and radioactive waste. Orano is also widening the range of non-power applications of nuclear material, such as for space or medicine purposes. R,D&I constitute strategic priorities for our group. Oranos researchers are constantly challenging the scientific state-of-the-art and creating conditions for innovation to reap the benefits of competitive low-carbon nuclear energy in a safe and sustainable manner. Orano is therefore particularly interested in participating in the Euratom Research and Training Programme for 2026-2027. Main ideas to be highlighted: A more ambitious budget for Euratom research and training programme: While the nuclear contribution to the achievement of EUs climate neutrality was clearly recognized by the European Commission (EC), there is an urgent need to increase Euratom R&T programme budget to reflect this ambition. This should be accompanied by an increase access to EU fund for nuclear infrastructures across the EU. Increased synergies with other EU R&D programmes: There is a need to enhance synergies with other programmes (with a focus on Horizon Europe) to progress on transversal topics such as medicine, space, digital, where nuclear contribution could bring a real added value. Given its limited budget, such projects should not be only supported by Euratom programme. Promote strategic autonomy: Given the current geopolitical context, and the need for the EU to maintain its leadership in the nuclear sector, more opportunities should be offered to projects aiming to avoid strategic dependencies on nuclear fuel and raw materials, by opening the way for the use of the full potential of European material stockpiles. The involvement and participation of JRC in Euratoms indirect actions are considered crucial in this matter. Support research on circularity: The concept of nuclear fuel circularity has been a cornerstone of the French model for decades, and ambitions to expand these efforts in the years ahead are clear, towards further independency from mining and waste minimization. To achieve this, Euratom programme should continue to promote the demonstration of concepts and solutions to reduce, recycle and reuse (non)-radioactive waste. Align with the ambition of the SMR Industrial Alliance: While the Alliance should improve knowledge about possible bottlenecks in the nuclear supply chain and foster nuclear R&D activities with a special focus on developing and deploying innovative nuclear fuels required for AMRs operation, the Euratom R&T programme should directly target funding for projects that would support these objectives and provide a support to develop skills and competences in the nuclear sector. This should however not affect the necessary budget for other priorities of Euratom which are not directly linked to SMRs. Leveraging research on nuclear medical applications: Orano is a growing player in the nuclear medicine field (notably through Orano MED activities, the development of a stable isotopes laboratory and other medicine-related projects). In our view, special attention must be given to creating synergies with the Cancer mission under Horizon Europe, as well as with the SAMIRA initiative. Encourage innovative business models: Orano is convinced that R&D projects should be accompanied by innovative business models.
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Meeting with Aleksandra Baranska (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič), Kamil Talbi (Cabinet of Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič)

20 Feb 2024 · Critical raw materials

Response to 8th Environment Action Programme – Mid-term Review

22 Jan 2024

Orano strongly advocates for the 8th Environment Action Programme. The goals outlined in this program align closely with Orano's core mission: 'to contribute to the fight against global warming by enhancing access to competitive, low-carbon electricity for all, to the conservation of resources through recycling, and to health through nuclear medicine.' Additionally, in 2022, the Orano Group implemented its own biodiversity strategy. As the mid-term review approaches, Orano would like to emphasize three key points: 1. Nuclear energy is needed to achieve climate neutrality The imperative for achieving climate neutrality underscores the necessity of nuclear energy. The 8th Environment Action Programme employs a judicious approach by establishing objectives rather than prescribing specific means. Nuclear power, together with renewable energy sources, can make a significant contribution to these objectives. Therefore, nuclear energy should receive the same support as other low-carbon energy sources. In fact, our proposal aligns with Commissioner Simson's statement: We want to reach climate neutrality by 2050 and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55 % already by the end of this decade. But to do so, we need all low-carbon sources, including nuclear. (Kadri Simson, ENEF 2023) 2. More should be done on circular economy While the European Commission has made significant progress in the field of circular economy, the EU is falling short of the targets outlined in the 8th Environment Action Programme. As per the European Environmental Agency, the EU is not on track to double the ratio of circular material use by 2030 compared to 2020. Although initiatives such as the Batteries Regulation and the Critical Raw Materials Act are positive steps to foster the recycling of the critical raw materials necessary for the twin transition, it is crucial not to overlook any opportunities. Orano urges European decision-makers to promptly establish mandatory targets for the incorporation of secondary critical raw materials, notably rare earth elements. 3. There is no circular economy without R&D To address the challenges of sustainability and circularity in the field of nuclear energy, it is imperative to advocate for the continuation and enhancement of an ambitious research program that aligns with the circularity objectives as stated in the Environment action plan. Key facets of this comprehensive approach involve prioritizing the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle and advocating for a substantial increase of the Euratom program's budget. This strategic move is pivotal to achieving the overarching goal of minimizing nuclear waste and maximizing resource utilization. Furthermore, it is essential to underscore the significance of a robust Horizon Europe program that would be dedicated to significantly reducing the carbon footprint associated with critical raw materials. By channeling resources into innovative research initiatives focused on recycling, we can unlock novel technologies and methodologies that not only mitigate environmental impact but also pave the way for a more sustainable and circular approach to resource management.
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Meeting with Alexandr Vondra (Member of the European Parliament) and NAAREA SAS

30 Nov 2023 · World Nuclear Exhibition

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament) and ELECTRICITE DE FRANCE and

29 Nov 2023 · Politiques énergétiques de l'UE

Meeting with Franc Bogovič (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

21 Nov 2023 · Meeting on small modular nuclear reactors (SMR)

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament)

21 Nov 2023 · Petits réacteurs modulaires

Meeting with François-Xavier Bellamy (Member of the European Parliament)

16 Nov 2023 · SMR

Response to Mid-term evaluation of the ERDF, the CF and the JTF 2021-2027

6 Oct 2023

Orano, a nuclear energy company fully engaged in contributing to the EUs decarbonization, considers the European Regional Development Fund, Cohesion Fund and Just Transition Fund as one of the main tools available at the EU level to foster decarbonization for the benefit of the society. Orano is concerned with the exclusion of nuclear energy from the scope of these funds. While our company considers that there will be no Green Deal without nuclear, it is of key importance to making funds available to the entire nuclear cycle. We believe that the three funds should be amended as follows: European Regional Development Fund: Deletion of Article 7 (a) which excludes the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations. Cohesion Fund: Deletion of Article 7 (a) which excludes the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations. Just Transition Fund: Deletion of Article 9 (a) which excludes the decommissioning or the construction of nuclear power stations. This echoes the demand of the Nuclear Alliance in its Roadmap A new strategy on the use of Nuclear Energy for the European Union published on July 11th. Indeed, 12 member States encourage the European Commission to review all instrument rules to include nuclear energy. They mention, among others, the funds covered by this consultation. Indeed, while nuclear energy is due to play an important role in the decarbonization of the EU, it is crucial to encourage technological neutrality and to give access to nuclear projects to all relevant funding programmes in the EU. Moreover, our justification for this request is summarized below: EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy: These three funds were adopted prior to the EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy. Since then, the European Commission invited its experts to assess whether nuclear can be considered sustainable and thus eligible under the taxonomy. The result of this extensive work led to the conclusion that nuclear is as sustainable as other taxonomy-eligible activities (such as renewables). In 2022, further to a proposal from the European Commission, the Council and the Parliament adopted the Complementary Delegated Act and thus included nuclear as an eligible technology under the taxonomy. Orano strongly believes that these funds should be updated to reflect this decision, as the automatic exclusion of nuclear plants from EU funds is no longer justified. In the case of the JTF in particular, the regulation notes that by 30 June 2025, the European Commission shall review the implementation of the JTF, taking into account possible changes to the taxonomy regulation (Article 14). Net Zero Industry Act: As demonstrated by the discussions surrounding this file, many Member States believe that nuclear is a strategic technology for Europe for various reasons including the fact that it is a decarbonised source of energy and a key European industry in its own right. Given that funding is expected to be made available to recognised strategic technologies via STEP, and that these three funds are expected to fall under its scope, here again, removing this automatic exclusion of nuclear power plants would be fully justified. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): In its declaration on EU SMRs 2030, the European Commission emphasized the benefits of SMRs, from providing a baseload electricity production and meeting demand from the grid to better make up for the intermittency of renewables to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors. To harvest the many benefits that SMRs offer, the EU should allocate the means needed to enable it to become a leading actor in the future SMR market and to create industrial, technological and economic value at a European scale. These three funds support the green transition and, therefore, constitute a perfect vehicle to invest in a coming-of-age, fossil-free technology that boosts the European industry and economy and reduces Europes energy dependence on third countries.
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Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament)

29 Aug 2023 · Green Deal

Orano urges nuclear eligibility for EU Innovation Fund support

28 Jul 2023
Topic — The consultation implements changes to the Innovation Fund regarding competitive bidding procedures.
Message — Orano requests that nuclear projects be eligible for the Innovation Fund. They advocate for technological neutrality within EU funding programmes.12
Why — This inclusion would allow Orano to access subsidies for advanced nuclear projects.3
Impact — Other green technology sectors must compete with nuclear for limited grant money.4
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Meeting with Franc Bogovič (Member of the European Parliament, Rapporteur)

5 Jul 2023 · Meeting on small modular nuclear reactors (SMR)

Response to European Critical Raw Materials Act

30 Jun 2023

Orano welcomes this proposal for regulation that will support the EU security of supply, reinforces circular economy, and reduces EUs dependency toward third countries. Indeed, access to critical raw materials (CRM) is crucial to attain the EUs climate and digital objectives. Orano has several projects related to strategic raw materials as listed in the EC proposal. Therefore, we would like to highlight several aspects that could be better reflected in the Act: Raise ambition and encourage long-term action: the recycling capacity target in Europe to produce at least 15% of the Unions annual consumption of strategic raw materials by 2030 is a step in the right direction. However, to guarantee that the provisions are implemented over time, and as was agreed in the battery regulation, Orano suggests the introduction of objectives for 2040 and 2050. Access to funding: to achieve the objectives set in the Regulation, more funding should be made available for strategic raw materials, either in existing programmes, or in a new dedicated CRM fund (1). Circular economy: it is necessary to integrate binding collection and recycling rates. Otherwise, a lack of visibility for the sector will limit investments. In parallel, access to waste is crucial. End-of-life products must therefore be able to circulate freely for recycling in the EU, facilitating the use of secondary raw materials and valorizing by-products. Develop taxonomy criteria for mining and refining: to facilitate investments in that domain, the EU should include as soon as possible these activities in the taxonomy to secure EU supply. Recognized schemes: the EU should recognize existing schemes that promote ambitious corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. The standards developed by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) should be promoted. Involvement of stakeholders in the CRM Board: economic operators, who have an exhaustive view on the market and its potential obstacles, may be invited to contribute to the work undertaken in the CRM Board. Accelerate secondary legislation for permanent magnets: the provisions on the introduction of a "product passport" are a step in the right direction. To allow manufacturers to anticipate future obligations, that will come into force 3 years after the entry into force of the regulation, Orano invites the European Commission to adopt as soon as possible the implementing act specifying the format of this product passport. Through the introduction of environmental footprint thresholds, the EU may guarantee that economic actors respecting the highest environmental standards are encouraged. Moreover, the deadlines for the introduction of an obligation to manufacture products from recycled SRM should be shortened to avoid that such an obligation is implemented only after 2030. (1): According to the Impact Assessment linked to this proposal, only for battery raw materials and rare earth permanent magnets, the investment needs to ensure the supply of 20% or 25% of the European demand from domestic sources amount to EUR 8.7 billion by 2030 and 14.8 billion by 2040. Assuming a share of public spending to realise these projects comparable to the American Battery Materials Initiative, public support of EUR 2.7 billion by 2030 and 4.7 billion by 2040 would be required.
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Orano urges EU to recognize nuclear as strategic green technology

27 Jun 2023
Topic — The Net Zero Industry Act aims to boost Europe's manufacturing of clean energy technologies.
Message — Orano requests that all nuclear technologies be recognized as strategic under the regulation. They seek access to funding beyond research budgets and simplified rules for new reactors. This inclusion is seen as vital for European energy security and climate goals.123
Why — Strategic status would help the group secure investment labels and facilitate critical project funding.4
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Orano urges inclusion of nuclear in EU 2040 climate plan

23 Jun 2023
Topic — This consultation gathers feedback on setting the EU's 2040 climate target.
Message — Orano requests the EU guarantee technological neutrality among all low-carbon energy sources. They want recognition of the complementarity between nuclear and renewable energy. Finally, they propose opening EU funds to nuclear projects and reactors.123
Why — This would grant the company access to substantial new European funding streams.4
Impact — Fossil fuel producers lose their market dominance as nuclear provides carbon-free baseload energy.5
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Meeting with Tsvetelina Penkova (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

5 Jun 2023 · Meeting with Orano on NZIA

Meeting with Christophe Grudler (Member of the European Parliament, Shadow rapporteur)

5 Jun 2023 · NZIA

Meeting with Marie-Pierre Vedrenne (Member of the European Parliament)

30 May 2023 · Politiques commerciales UE (Règlement Matières premières critiques)

Orano urges inclusion of nuclear fuel cycle in EU taxonomy

3 May 2023
Topic — The European Commission is defining which economic activities qualify as environmentally sustainable for investment purposes.
Message — Orano requests that all front-end and back-end nuclear fuel cycle activities be recognized as sustainable. They specifically call for removing the exclusion of nuclear waste treatment and including fuel reprocessing as a circular economy activity.123
Why — This would allow Orano to secure sustainable financing for its waste management and fuel recycling services.45
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Meeting with Lina Gálvez (Member of the European Parliament)

22 Mar 2023 · Critical Raw Materials Act

Meeting with Caroline Boeshertz (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis)

2 Feb 2023 · Critical Raw Materials

Meeting with Thor-Sten Vertmann (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

15 Dec 2022 · Uranium conversion and enrichment markets.

Response to European Critical Raw Materials Act

24 Nov 2022

Orano thanks the European Commission (EC) for giving the opportunity to contribute to the elaboration of the European Critical Raw Materials (CRM) Act. Orano, as a European company, boasts unique, internationally recognized expertise in the nuclear fuel cycle. Our group has more than 40 years experience spanning the entire fuel cycle, including in chemistry, hydrometallurgy and process industrialization. Orano is committed and investing in several projects aiming at a short loop magnet recycling and remanufacturing to re-establish an industrial base for the production of high-performance sintered magnets for the European market (i), recycling Platinum Group Metals (PGM) from used nuclear fuel and supporting the recovery of Xenon. That is why Orano is a member of the European Raw Materials Alliance, of the European Battery Alliance and the Renewable and Low-Carbon Fuels Value Chain Industrial Alliance, and a core partner of the EIT Raw Materials. Orano proposes to include the following elements in the legislative proposal. Defining priorities and objectives for EU actions First, circularity should be at the core of the upcoming proposal. The regulatory framework should introduce the collection, recycling, and reincorporation of secondary raw materials into new products as well as refining of primary raw material. These considerations must go hand in hand with a legislative framework to avoid the leakage of strategic materials outside the EU. Second, the CRM Act should focus on the critical raw materials which are considered as the most strategic to achieve the twin transition. Strengthening the EUs critical raw materials value chain (mining, refining, processing, recycling) In order to guarantee the development of the CRM value chain in Europe, projects identified as strategic all along the value chain must be supported at all maturity levels based on best available technology not entailing excessive costs: additional money should be available in Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund notably.Moreover, the opportunity for developing a new IPCEI or extending the existing ones should be explored. Lastly, the upcoming sovereignty fund, recently announced by the EC, should include among its priorities the access to strategic raw materials. The European value chain should start with mines respecting corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices within and outside the EU. Standards such as those developed by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) should be mandatory to enter the EU market. Ensuring a sustainable level playing field across the Single Market Guaranteeing the emergence and the competitiveness of the EU industry should be one of the major pillars for the upcoming legislative proposal. Orano is fully aligned with the EC statement in the public consultation stating that a level playing field for critical raw materials-based products and components that are crucial to the green transition such as rare earth permanent magnets, for instance by setting recycling obligations or an information requirement on the carbon footprint of their production process, inside and outside of the EU. Indeed, as recycling is an important tool to improve autonomy, collection and reincorporation rates should be established for the CRMs which are the most crucial for the twin transition and starting with the HREE. The proposals introduced in the battery regulation should serve as a model for the CRM Act. Finally, a sustainable level playing field implies that all the EU circular economy has the same access to wastes. Thus, facilitating the exchange of waste with a recyclable potential between EU member states will be crucial.
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Meeting with Antoine Colombani (Cabinet of Executive Vice-President Frans Timmermans) and TotalEnergies SE and

25 Oct 2022 · Green Deal state of play

Meeting with Joan Canton (Cabinet of Commissioner Thierry Breton)

12 Oct 2022 · Critical raw materials, nuclear industry

Response to A New European Innovation Agenda

10 May 2022

As a recognized international player in the field of nuclear materials, Orano, a French company, provides solutions to current and future global energy and mobility challenges. Its expertise of cutting-edge technologies enables Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the nuclear fuel cycle, from mining to decommissioning. Research, development and innovation constitute strategic priorities for our group. Orano’s researchers are constantly challenging the scientific state-of-the-art and creating conditions for innovation to reap the benefits of competitive low-carbon nuclear energy in a safe, secure and sustainable manner. Orano welcomes this initiative for strengthening innovation policy making and guarantee competitiveness in the EU while delivering positive impacts, in particular in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of the EU’s open strategic autonomy. The nuclear industry could benefit from innovations developed by non-nuclear industries, in particular for digitalization, robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) and could bring added value to non-nuclear industry (recovery raw materials, health, batteries, space exploration, etc). For that reasons, synergies between nuclear and non-nuclear ecosystems and between different funding instruments are essential to reap the benefits of innovation and to avoid fragmenting the EU innovation ecosystem. Contributing to research and innovation projects is part of the company’s DNA. Nevertheless, beyond the traditional R&D framework programmes, Orano would like to encourage the European Commission to think about “fast-track” calls for projects to reduce the timescale between the submission of the project and its effective launch. Promoting faster project procedures to solve current innovation needs at the European level would be valuable. Moreover, Orano is convinced that R&D projects should be accompanied by innovative business models. Orano therefore encourages the European Commission to explore more business models to de-risk R&D projects and to ensure that EU R&D funding will generate real impacts on the whole society.
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Meeting with Pascal Canfin (Member of the European Parliament)

27 Sept 2021 · Green Deal

Response to Commission Delegated Regulation on taxonomy-alignment of undertakings reporting non-financial information

1 Jun 2021

Orano supports the EU objective to reach carbon neutrality and the European Commission’s efforts to support sustainable activities and reporting. Specialized in products and services with high added value throughout the entire nuclear fuel cycle, Orano is strongly committed to comply with European and national reporting provisions as it already publishes financial and non-financial information. Orano’s non-financial reporting strategy relies on key environmental, social, and governance targets and its contribution to selected United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In that regard, we call upon the European Commission to rapidly include nuclear energy among taxonomy compliant activities given its contribution towards the achievement of EU climate objectives while not harming health and the environment in the long term, as stated in the Joint Research Centre report. The new reporting obligations proposed by the European Commission in the framework of the EU regulation on taxonomy are coherent with the imperative to incentivize investments in sustainable activities. However, the reporting calendar as proposed in the draft delegated act (article 11) is not aligned with the calendar set by the European Commission for the inclusion of complementary activities in the taxonomy. Indeed, even if the complementary delegated act including nuclear could hopefully be published by the end of this summer, its formal adoption is not likely to occur before mid-2022. With the decision on nuclear activities pending, Orano would not be able to publish even a simplified reporting on Turnover as of January 2022. The European Commission should instead consider postponing until January 2023 the proposed reporting requirements to wait for all activities to be included or not in the taxonomy. This is crucial to respect technological neutrality principle and to prevent any distortion of competition among EU companies. Otherwise, activities currently under assessment and approval could be ranked as taxonomy non-compliant and mislead investors.
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Response to Evaluation and revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation

27 Apr 2021

Orano would like to thank the European Commission for giving the opportunity to express its views on the revision of the general pharmaceutical legislation. More precisely, Orano shares the European Commission’s concerns about the “inefficiency and administrative burden of regulatory procedures” as pointed out in its Impact Assessment. Such shortcomings are indeed experienced for innovative nuclear medicine. Through its subsidiary Orano Med, Orano’s ambition is to develop a new generation of targeted therapies against cancer using the unique properties of lead-212 (212Pb), a rare alpha-emitting radioisotope and one of the more potent therapeutic payloads against cancer cells. Despite considerable advances in oncology research in recent years, high unmet needs remain in a wide variety of cancer types. This approach, known as Targeted Alpha Therapy (TAT), has the potential to bring significant benefits where conventional therapies have failed to treat patients. Orano Med is dedicated to the development of new treatments either alone or in partnership with different pharmaceutical companies along with the production of high quality lead-212 (212Pb). However, innovation may be hampered by regulatory issues, such as the Euratom radiotherapy requirements which are not adapted for radionuclide therapy, and the recognition of radiopharmaceuticals and their precursors as pharmaceuticals by the EU legislation. Thus, Orano encourages the European Commission to improve cooperation between national regulators for radiation protection and those responsible for radiopharmaceuticals and medical devices. A specific attention on nuclear medicine should be given to enable patients to access these innovations while maintaining high quality standards.
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Response to Modernising the EU’s batteries legislation

1 Mar 2021

Orano would like to thank the European Commission for having launched, since 2017, a dynamic initiative aiming at setting a more sustainable and more competitive European battery industry. The proposal for a regulation presented in December 2020 to revise the current legislative framework (2020/353) should contribute to meet the growing demand of batteries in the EU, while minimizing their environmental impacts. The integrated approach privileged by the European Commission (EC) through ambitious requirements and targets for the whole value chain at all step of the products life cycle (chemical products, final products, waste) seems relevant. Orano, with its ambition of becoming the first French manufacturer of recycled materials for cathodes, would also like to stress the importance of guaranteeing a level playing field for all types of Batteries Lithium-ion under this Regulation. • Restrictions on hazardous substances (Article 6): Orano welcomes this proposal and asks the EC to clarify the role of ECHA and the necessary coordination with the current provisions implemented under REACH to avoid duplication. • Carbon footprint declaration (Article 7): this article is essential to guarantee sustainable batteries on the entire life cycle. Orano supports the proposal of a mandatory carbon footprint declaration for electric vehicle (EV) batteries with a capacity above 2kWh. However, some clarifications would be welcomed on the inclusion of some parameters (inclusion of transport between collection points and recycler for instance) to incentivize a European treatment and recycling and following a harmonized and detailed calculation method, defined by a science-based consensus. Besides, public authorities should precisely verify declarations of producers, including for imported batteries. • Minimum share of recovered materials (Article 8): the minimum content of recovered materials introduced for EV batteries is a good proposal. Yet, it is necessary that the regulation provides some flexibility, taking into account the number of vehicles reaching their end of life and whose batteries will have to be recycled by 2030. It would also be useful to point out that recycled materials must come from batteries manufactured and recycled in Europe. • Mandatory collecting schemes (Article 48): Orano is in favor of the mandatory collecting scheme proposed in the revised regulation for end-of-life batteries in order to optimize their treatment. • Treatment and recycling (Article 56): Orano welcomes the fact that batteries shall not be landfilled or incinerated. They should be treated and recycled. This provision will enhance sustainability and contribute to the circular economy strategy defined by the European Commission. • Recycling efficiencies (Article 57): recycling process efficiency targets are positive signals for the promotion of electric vehicles. • Shipment of waste batteries (Article 58): the goal should be to incentivize recycling in the EU. Regarding provisions provided in the regulation when the treatment and recycling is achieved outside the EU, it should be reinforced in demanding detailed conditions and assessment criteria in the delegated act, and a strict and serious control by an independent audit body to avoid carbon leakage. • Battery passport (Article 65): the passport, which will promote batteries recycling inside the EU is a useful proposal which will consolidate EU companies’ competitiveness. • Treatment and recycling requirements (Annex XII): Orano would like to ensure that all electrode components from different types of batteries are well considered. For instance, aluminum and natural graphite are not included in the proposed list (while graphite is considered as a critical raw material according to the updated CRM list published in 2020).
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Response to Climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy

7 Dec 2020

Orano thanks the European Commission for giving the opportunity to comment on the first Delegated Act on the Taxonomy Regulation and would like to raise some concerns: 1- Nuclear energy is an essential part of the solution to help the EU meet its commitments to the Paris agreement Orano recalls the TEG recognition of the nuclear contribution to EU’s climate mitigation goals while taking note of its recommendations to a further assessment to decide on nuclear inclusion in the taxonomy. The assignment of the JRC decided by the EC is a guarantee for a robust, science-based assessment of nuclear. Nuclear energy is the quickest and cheapest way to decarbonize electricity generation: it already stands as the first low-carbon source of electricity in Europe and many Member States count on this technology to achieve their decarbonization goals. It will also play an important role for the decarbonization of other sectors in Europe through hydrogen production. 2- The sustainable and safe management of nuclear wastes While more extensive technical work is undertaken on environmental objectives criteria, Orano, as a key player in nuclear recycling, would like to highlight the sustainable and safe management of radioactive waste by nuclear industry: • Radioactive waste management is strictly regulated by international, European and national laws under the control of independent public authorities with a view to protecting public health and the environment. • Industrially proven solutions are available for the safe and sustainable management of all types of radioactive waste and used nuclear fuel. Technologies are already implemented to ensure that radioactive waste is strictly separated from the environment at every stage of its processing, ensuring the absence of significant contamination even in the very long term. 3- Facilitating low carbon investments in the EU is crucial for EU’s technological leadership It is unfortunate that nuclear energy is not included in this first Delegated Act. There is a risk to distort the market by creating an unfair competitive situation: other low carbon sources would have an easier access to financing than nuclear, pending its inclusion. Moreover, the principle of technological neutrality should be respected in applying the same technical screening criteria to all energy sources. According to the EC, between 350 and 450 billion euros would have to be invested in new plants to replace most of the existing nuclear power capacity. The 2019 ESA annual report underlined that investment will be vital to ensure long-term European security of supply. While the EU promotes the concept of “strategic autonomy” and recognizes in the FDI screening regulation that nuclear constitutes a critical technology, this aspect should be considered. 4- A whole value chain approach should be favored The final evaluation of nuclear energy and its inclusion in the Delegated Act on the Taxonomy Regulation will have important consequences for the whole value chain. In this regard, Orano would like to stress the importance of including all nuclear fuel cycle activities in the Taxonomy Regulation.
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Response to Arctic matters and the Northern Dimension - Update of the EU Arctic policy

1 Dec 2020

Orano welcomes the upcoming revision of the EU-Arctic Policy by the end of 2021 initiated by the European Commission and the European External Action Service. As underlined in the Roadmap (Ares(2020)6292991), the EU has a long-standing involvement in the Arctic region. Hence, it is important that the EU preserves its strategic presence and the interests of European economic actors in that geographic area. Moreover, the European industrial strategy is also recalling the need for the EU to be able “to forge global high quality standards which bear the hallmark of Europe’s values and principles”; this will lead to a greater European strategic autonomy and industrial competitiveness while contributing to the European Green Deal objectives. Therefore, Orano would like to raise a certain number of issues that should be addressed in the revised document: 1. Acknowledging the Arctic region as an essential contributor to global climate policy While climate change and environmental protection are identified as priority areas for the revision of this policy, it is important to bear in mind that the Arctic region has many assets that could help to foster the decarbonization of the European economy: Artic and particularly Greenland are rich in raw materials (critical metals, energy metals) essential for the Energetic Transition plan of UE. A clear support of UE to Greenland in the mining exploration and exploitation for European Companies and materials dedicated to UE industry is important The EU is considered worldwide as a leader in the fight against climate change and should cooperate with the neighborhood countries in this dynamic. For instance, while the EU aims to establish due diligence, sustainable criteria for mining, extractive and processing sectors, these criteria should also apply to the Arctic in order to avoid that non-European economic actors with less restrictive environmental rules lead the mining market in that region. 2. Contributing to the security of supply both in the Arctic and in the European Union The recent EU Critical Raw Materials Communication has underlined the need for the EU to diversify its sources of supply for its raw materials through strategic partnerships with resource-rich countries: the Arctic region should be identified as one of them. Thus, it could contribute to the security of supply for both regions in a sustainable manner. 3. Promoting sustainable local development through European engagement and standards The presence and investments from foreign economic actors in that region could be beneficial both in terms of economic growth and job creation while protecting environment. To foster such benefits, the EU should promote the highest standards in terms of local governance and responsible mining operations, and ensure a level playing field among all operators and actors whether European or not. The involvement of local actors, in the respect of ambitious social and societal rules, is key to facilitate public acceptance for projects undertaken by foreign companies. Orano is willing, with the approval of local authorities and communities, to do exploration work in Arctic areas in view of contributing to the local economy in a way that is environmentally conscious, respectful of local communities and beneficial to European sovereignty. More information on https://www.orano.group/docs/default-source/orano-doc/presse/dossiers-presse/activites-minieres/en_dp_orano_mining_2019_09ddc43d95ed714ee2ad8217605409ee22.pdf?sfvrsn=631f453d_10
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Meeting with Kadri Simson (Commissioner) and

27 Nov 2020 · Role of nuclear energy in EU’s energy mix, security of supply, decarburization path and role of non-power use of nuclear for medical purposes.

Response to Modernising the EU’s batteries legislation

9 Jul 2020

• Orano thanks the European Commission for giving the opportunity to provide feedback on its Batteries roadmap and observes in the EU the positive move towards low-emission mobility through the support to gigafactories and the deployment of electric vehicles in Europe. • Orano is fully committed to contribute to the recovery Plan initiated by the European Commission by using its human and technological skills. After having consolidated its partnership with CEA Liten, Orano is setting up some collaborations with several players involved in the recycling (from collection of batteries to material remanufacturing). Moreover, Orano has joined the European Battery Alliance in April 2020 to be fully part of the creation of a competitive and sustainable battery value chain in Europe. • Orano is indeed focused on contributing to a low carbon and circular economy. Based on its expertise as a nuclear fuel recycler, Orano seeks to provide innovative recycling solutions for the European battery industry and in particular for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles. The group targets to encompass the full value chain within the EU from battery collecting, to dismantlement up to recovery of strategic materials for cathodes through a cleaner process, reducing the environmental footprint. • The European regulatory framework for batteries should seek for developing sustainable processes throughout the whole value chain (ambitious recycling rates, strict rules for the collection and transportation of used batteries, efficient recovery of strategic materials such as Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, Manganese…). These changes are crucial to contribute to the European security of supply in terms of strategic materials and help fulfilling the transition to low-emission mobility. • Orano supports the deployment of more ambitious European common rules for batteries and the reinforcement of the battery directive following recommendations of the New circular economy Action Plan and the renewed Industrial Strategy (March 2020), especially for the recycling part, with provisions such as: - High sustainability requirements to produce batteries and notably on the full lifecycle footprint and on the use of recycled raw materials; - Responsible sourcing of raw materials; - Ambitious collection of batteries and recycling rates for strategic materials; - Binding obligations for battery owners along with a tracking system; - High sustainability requirements to recycle batteries contributing to reduce GHG; - Incentives for Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) players to use EU-based low CO2 recycling technologies. • Orano remains fully available for further targeted consultation in addition to this feedback on the Inception Impact assessment.
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Response to Climate Law

30 Apr 2020

Orano supports the objective of EU climate neutrality by 2050. The transformation of the European Union into a prosperous and climate-neutral economy depends widely on the capacity of the electric sector to provide reliable and low-carbon electricity to companies and households at an affordable price. To accelerate the decarbonization of the European electricity mix, all available low-carbon energies should be considered, and nuclear energy will play an essential role in the long term. Today, almost 26% of the electricity produced in the EU comes from nuclear energy. This makes it the largest source of electricity (ahead of gas and coal) and by far the largest low-CO2 source, ahead of wind (11%), hydropower (10%) and solar (4%). Almost half of the low-carbon electricity produced in Europe is nuclear. By 2050, the European Commission estimates that nuclear will form the backbone of a carbon-free European power system, together with renewables. The investment challenge is huge. The European Commission estimates that 2.8% of the EU GDP would need to be invested in the energy system, as opposed to 2% today. It will also be an industrial challenge. Therefore, clear signals are needed in order to facilitate investment and support the industrial sector that will deliver those new low-carbon power plants. Investments in new capacities must drive a rebuild of competitive European supply chains, creating local jobs and maximizing the socio-economic impact of the transition. Moreover, by 2050, the expected increase of European electricity consumption implies major investments in all low-carbon electricity sources. To achieve it, the market framework, the regulatory environment, the carbon prices and incentives for long-term investments should be more adapted to the challenge. Nuclear energy also contributes to European security of energy supply: this is a fundamental pillar of the Energy Union and it should be emphasized when it comes to the financing of decarbonized electricity production assets.
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Response to Climate change mitigation and adaptation taxonomy

24 Apr 2020

Orano strongly supports the European Commission’s vision to lead the EU towards a climate neutral economy. Considering the investment challenges to succeed in the climate transition, Orano welcomes the initiatives taken by the European Commission to streamline investments towards activities contributing to the fight against climate change and to a more sustainable economy. However, we would like to draw the attention of the European Commission on the following points: - The respect of the principle of technological neutrality is key. All technologies should be assessed with objective criteria and using a whole life-cycle approach. This is unfortunately not the case in the TEG report: some technologies are subjected to full life-cycle assessments while others are not. - The TEG report recognizes the contribution of nuclear energy as a low-carbon power technology to the fight against climate change. However, the TEG recommends that “more extensive technical work is undertaken on the DNSH aspects of nuclear energy in the future and by a group with in-depth technical expertise in nuclear”. Radioactive waste is managed in a sustainable manner in the EU: o Radioactive waste management is strictly regulated by international, European and national laws and controlled by competent authorities with a view to protecting public health and the environment. o There are available, industrially proven solutions for the safe and sustainable management of all types of radioactive waste and used nuclear fuel. - The supplementary assessment recommended by the TEG should be carried out as quickly as possible in 2020 by competent experts on nuclear issues in order to bring clarity to our sector and to European investors, and to avoid introducing distortions with other economic activities already classified. There is a wide range of available regulations, scientific literature and industrially proven solutions that can be assessed. There are also available expertises at national, EU and international level that can be mobilized to pursue this assessment. - Orano therefore calls on the European Commission to follow the recommendations of the TEG and swiftly appoint an expert group of scientifically qualified radiation protection specialists to finalize the assessment of nuclear energy under the Taxonomy.
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Response to EU rules on industrial emissions - revision

21 Apr 2020

• Orano remercie la Commission européenne de lui donner l’opportunité de donner son avis sur cette feuille de route et constate que la directive IED est plutôt efficiente. Si des améliorations peuvent y être apportées, une refonte de ces dispositions ne présente pas de caractère urgent. A l’inverse, il paraît prioritaire d’harmoniser la mise en œuvre de cette directive dans les Etats membres. • L’amélioration de l’efficacité de la directive, en particulier via la baisse des seuils des capacités de production notamment, doit être menée au regard des impacts environnementaux actuels. A titre d’exemple, ceux du Groupe Orano sont très faibles. • S’agissant des orientations données par la feuille de route, l’abaissement des seuils de capacité de production aurait pour conséquence une augmentation du nombre d’installations et d’activités concernées par les dispositions de cette directive. Les installations impactées sont susceptibles d’être des installations classées pour la protection de l’environnement (ICPE) comme des installations nucléaires de base (INB), ainsi que les installations liées techniquement. • Pour les installations impactées, l’application des dispositions IED impliquerait notamment une lourde charge administrative (veille et analyse de nombreux « Best REFerence documents » qui font souvent des centaines de pages, publication des conclusions sur les meilleures techniques disponibles, élaboration de dossiers de réexamen des prescriptions dans un délai d’un an après la publication des conclusions, mise en conformité selon les prescriptions dans un délai de 4 ans). L’impact serait donc important en termes de moyens humains et financiers à déployer. • S’agissant de la révision du système des documents de référence sur les meilleures techniques disponibles (BREFs) : cela pourrait avoir pour conséquence de renforcer les exigences de mise en conformité. Le risque porte en particulier sur un abaissement des valeurs limites d’émission (VLE) qui sont reprises dans les autorisations d’exploitation. Un abaissement des VLE aurait un impact financier important en raison de la nécessité de mettre en œuvre de nouvelles installations de traitement. • Orano s’interroge également sur le maintien du processus de Séville (processus d’élaboration) impliquant une rédaction des BREFs sur la base des contributions d’un groupe de travail technique composé d’experts industriels, des représentants des Etats et des associations. Le système actuel d’élaboration des BREFs doit être maintenu : la présence des experts industriels est, en effet, une condition essentielle à l’efficacité et à l’efficience de cette directive. Ce système permet notamment d’adapter les évolutions au regard des possibilités technico-économiques des industriels. • Concernant l’utilisation du mécanisme IED pour contribuer aux objectifs d’économie circulaire et d’efficacité énergétique, ces objectifs devraient être pris en compte dans les BREFs sectoriels plutôt que dans les BREFs transversaux. • S’agissant de l’inclusion dans la directive IED de dispositions dont la mise en œuvre permettrait de contribuer à la décarbonation de l’industrie, Orano rappelle que, pour l’instant, les dispositions visant à la décarbonation de l’industrie relèvent d’autres dispositifs réglementaires, tant au niveau européen qu’au niveau national. Les installations d’Orano entrant dans le champ de la directive IED mettent en œuvre ces dispositifs et y contribuent de manière très significative. • Enfin, concernant l’amélioration d’accès à l’information du public ou la participation du public à la prise de décision, Orano indique que le principe général d’information du public et la nécessité de ne pas restreindre la diffusion des informations utiles sont très importants mais qu’ils ne doivent pas porter atteinte aux enjeux de sûreté et à la protection des installations contre les actes de malveillance.
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Meeting with Helena Hinto (Cabinet of Commissioner Kadri Simson)

6 Feb 2020 · Role of nuclear energy in the European Green Deal

Meeting with Dominique Ristori (Director-General Energy)

4 Feb 2019 · L'évolution de la politique énergétique dans le contexte de la décarbonisation en Europe et dans le monde