Yellow Tomorrow - They make Orano's flame shine bright

How does a person become the director of an industrial site like Orano La Hague?

I’ve always been interested in energy. Since I have a doctorate in applied mathematics, the idea of applying my scientific knowledge in the field of energy seemed like a natural fit. After a time in research, my interest in the nuclear industry led me to the Orano La Hague site.

I initially took over responsibility for nuclear materials for five years before joining the Nuclear Packages and Services (NPS) business unit, as head of nuclear transportation operations for the back end of the fuel cycle. I then returned to the site in 2014 where I held a range of production positions before becoming Technical Director in 2018, then Site Deputy Director in charge of Operations in 2021.

Processing-recycling is one of the centers of excellence in French industry, an area where advanced know-has been built up over more than 55 years. For me, taking over the direction of this industrial complex last May is an honor and a very great source of pride.

How do you understand your role?

It’s important to provide a vision and set a clear course for the teams to bring them together around medium- and long-term challenges. You have to be able to engage employees at all levels, because results cannot be achieved without the collective energy of the whole workforce.

What are the main challenges for Orano La Hague?

Minister Bruno Le Maire’s announcements confirm the main thrusts of French policy on the Back End of the nuclear fuel cycle, and provide for major investments here.

We are turning a new page in the history of our industrial site with formidable challenges to deal with in the coming months and years. First of all, with the launch of a sustainability program to extend the plants beyond 2040, then the launch of studies for a new Mox fuels fabrication plant and a new plant for processing fuels by 2045/2050.

How does Orano foster diversity and the inclusion of women in the industry?

There are 26% women at our industrial site. We need to go even further and attract more women to the world of industry. For example, we’re actively encouraging the feminization of production jobs that have “historically” been occupied by men. We have observed that not only do women fill these positions considered physical or technical just as well as men, but they also bring, in addition to their skills, a sense of composure and empathy within their teams.