Orano announced its plan to build a US uranium enrichment plant

U.S.-based Centrus Energy inaugurated a new facility in Ohio late last year to manufacture high-assay, low-enriched uranium (HALEU)

Orano, a French specialist in nuclear fuel, is exploring the possibility of constructing a uranium enrichment facility within the United States, according to statements made by the company's chairman on Wednesday. This initiative comes as the U.S. endeavors to lessen its dependence on importing fuel from Russia. Previously known as Areva and now state-owned, Orano had advanced plans for such a facility in Idaho during the late 2000s. However, the project was shelved following the Fukushima nuclear disaster, which prompted some nations to halt reactor operations or defer projects, leading to an oversupply of enrichment capacity.

Imauven revealed the ongoing study of this topic without divulging specific details on the progress of the plans. Orano disclosed its intent to invest in expanding production capacity at its uranium enrichment plant in southern France in October, primarily to cater to the demands of its U.S. clientele. This move aims to mitigate risks associated with potential disruptions in supply from Russia's Rosatom, which presently furnishes approximately 30% of the Western world's enriched uranium. Orano engages in uranium mining operations in Canada, Kazakhstan, and Niger, along with operating a sole fuel enrichment facility in France, accounting for 12% of global capacity. Rosatom retains a 43% stake in the market, while the European consortium Urenco holds 31%.