Orano secures uranium enrichment services deal with CEZ
by Robert Schreiber
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Mar 09, 2024

In a significant move to bolster European energy security and nuclear fuel supply, Orano has inked a crucial contract with Czech electricity giant CEZ, a.s., to deliver uranium enrichment services. This enriched uranium will be transformed into fuel for use at CEZ's Dukovany nuclear power station. The contract signing, which occurred during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to the Czech Republic, aims to fortify Franco-Czech cooperation in the civil nuclear sector.

This deal follows a major long-term agreement for conversion and enrichment services with CEZ in late 2023, targeting the Temelin nuclear facility. This latest agreement ensures CEZ's nuclear fuel supply within Europe and reinforces Orano's standing in the European market for nuclear fuel cycle products and services.

Nicolas Maes, CEO of Orano, expressed satisfaction with the continued partnership, stating, "This contract demonstrates a solid vote of confidence from our Czech partners in Orano's expertise and reliability."

Daniel Benes, Chairman and CEO of the CEZ Group, highlighted the strategic importance of the agreement, "Securing a Western provider for uranium enrichment services for Dukovany is a pivotal development for the Czech energy sector and national security, marking a significant leap in enhancing our energy independence."

CEZ stands as a major player in Europe's energy landscape, with six nuclear reactors across the Dukovany and Temelin sites, contributing to 36% of the Czech Republic's electricity supply. With ambitious plans for nuclear expansion, the Czech government is eyeing the construction of new reactors over the coming decade, underlining the strategic importance of agreements like the one with Orano.

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