- EIB granted €400 million for the €1.7 billion Georges Besse 2 expansion project.
- The project includes four new uranium enrichment modules, operational by 2030.
- Construction involves 180 companies, mostly French, with over 70% of concrete poured.
- The expansion aims to reduce EU reliance on imported Russian fuels.
Project Overview
Orano's Georges Besse 2 enrichment plant expansion at the Tricastin site in southern France is progressing significantly. The European Investment Bank (EIB) delegation recently visited the site to observe advancements following their €400 million financing granted in March 2025. The total project cost is estimated at over €1.7 billion.
Strategic Goals
Initiated in October 2023, the expansion aims to bolster Western energy sovereignty and aligns with the European “RePowerEU” program. It seeks to reduce the European Union's dependency on imported Russian fuels and enriched uranium.
Construction Details
The project involves constructing four new uranium enrichment modules, supplementing the existing 14. These modules will be gradually operational from 2028 and fully commissioned by 2030. The expanded capacity will enable low-carbon energy supply to approximately 120 million households annually.
Collaboration and Progress
The construction effort includes around 180 companies, predominantly French, with a significant number of regional firms. The project is on schedule and within budget, with over 70% of the concrete already poured. The EIB's visit marks a continuation of the collaboration that began with the loan award, highlighting the strategic importance of this project for Europe.
