The return to favor of nuclear energy, evident since 2022, can be explained by several factors. First and foremost is the current geopolitics, highlighting the need for states to safeguard their energy sovereignty. Then there is the vital need to contain climate change, requiring us all to move away from fossil fuels to accelerate the decarbonation of energy production. In addition, it is a duty to provide populations with reliable, abundant, and competitive electricity, and demand is set to double between now and 2050.
This being the global context, several world organizations are recommending significant increases in nuclear capacity over the next three decades. This is the case for instance of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and notably of the COP28, the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, which has called for a tripling of the production of nuclear energy as a source of low-carbon electricity.
Numerous countries have already stated they will restart or extend existing reactors, build new reactors, or develop small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors (AMRs). In France, the plan to revitalize the nuclear industry has been confirmed, involving all players in the sector and calling on us to address major industrial challenges.
It is up to us to rise to these challenges! Orano is present across the entire nuclear fuel value chain and is supporting the mobilization of the global industry. Our contribution to making nuclear energy a resource for today and tomorrow is very clear.
