Europe’s nuclear operators trying to reduce dependency on Russia
French nuclear fuel cycle company Orano has signed a contract with the Czech electric utility ČEZ for the supply of uranium enrichment services.
The enriched uranium, once transformed into fuel, will be used in its Dukovany nuclear power station. The signing took place today during a trip by France’s president Emmanuel Macron to the Czech Republic to strengthen bilateral cooperation, particularly in civil nuclear power.
The contract follows a long-term agreement on conversion and enrichment services signed late 2023 for the Temelín nuclear power station. Orano said the contract allows ČEZ to secure its supply of nuclear fuel in Europe.
A number of European nuclear operators have been moving to reduce their dependency on Russia for nuclear fuel and conversion and enrichment services.
ČEZ, one of Europe’s leading energy producers, operates six nuclear reactors at Dukovany and Temelín which supply 36% of the Czech Republic’s electricity needs.
The Czech government plans a vast nuclear programme with the construction of new units over the next decade.
