10 Dec (NucNet): Eurodif’s gaseous diffusion uranium enrichment plant in France will operate until the end of 2012 under an agreement between Areva and Electricité de France (EDF) that sets the operating conditions for a gradual transition from production at the old plant to the new Georges Besse II centrifuge enrichment plant.
Under the agreement, Eurodif will start operating at its minimum technical capacity as soon as possible, with EDF supplying the electricity for the next two years.
The agreement also gives EDF an additional 1,000 megawatts over the 2011-2012 period to provide its customers with electricity and guarantees a further 2,000 MW beyond that date.
In a statement both groups said they were delighted that a solution had been found to ensure the smooth transition between Eurodif and Georges Besse II, both as far production and the workforce are concerned.
Construction work on Georges Besse II began in September 2006. The plant will comprise two enrichment units and produce 7.5 million separative work units (SWU) when it reaches full capacity. The first centrifuge cascade was inaugurated in May 2009.
>>Related reports in the NucNet database (available to subscribers)
First Cascade Inaugurated At France’s New Georges Besse II (News in Brief No. 60, 18 May 2009)
