Connection

popular articles

Zelestra inaugurates a $200 million solar park to support Colombia’s energy transition.
Washington grants Chevron reprieve in Venezuela despite Trump’s tariff warning
France defends nuclear power and rejects EU renewable targets
OPEC+ Extends Production Cut to Stabilize Oil Prices
REC in Asia-Pacific: 76% Price Drop Expected by 2050

Framatome strengthens CERCA unit to maintain nuclear fuel production

Framatome has commissioned a new facility in Romans-sur-Isère to secure long-term production of research reactor fuels and medical isotopes.

Please share:

Framatome has inaugurated a new production facility at its Romans-sur-Isère site in the Drôme region, within its CERCA unit. This new workshop is designed to ensure the continuity and reliability of manufacturing fuels for research reactors, as well as targets for medical isotope production. The facility replaces the former “uranium zone” and incorporates equipment that meets current nuclear safety standards.

An industrial tool dedicated to supply continuity

The project aims to sustainably maintain the production capabilities of the CERCA unit, which plays a central role in the global supply of specialised nuclear fuels. According to Framatome, the new facility incorporates technologies designed to ensure operational reliability, with particular focus on safety, nuclear security and operational ergonomics. It is based on over 65 years of industrial expertise.

“Nuclear safety, security, environmental protection, and operational reliability have all been carefully considered,” said Lionel Gaiffe, Senior Executive Vice President, Business Unit Fuel at Framatome. He added that the company now possesses an industrial tool “to ensure the supply of fuels for research reactors and medical targets for decades to come”.

A strategic site for global production

The CERCA unit has operated at the Romans-sur-Isère site since 1959. It currently supplies nearly all European research reactors, as well as several facilities internationally. To date, more than 20,000 fuel elements have been manufactured by CERCA for research reactors worldwide. The company is also a key contributor to the global production of uranium-based targets for technetium-99m, which is used in approximately 75% of nuclear medicine scans globally.

A response to ageing infrastructure

The infrastructure upgrade comes as legacy equipment reaches its technical limits. Replacing the uranium zone is intended to prevent operational disruptions caused by ageing systems, in a context where regular deliveries remain essential for end users. Framatome has not disclosed the total amount invested in the project.

Register free of charge for uninterrupted access.

Publicite

Latest news

S&P Commodities: Renewable Credit Retirements Drop 34%, Issuances Halved
enCore Energy accelerates Alta Mesa uranium project expansion with 32 operational wells
Shanghai Electric signs major energy deals in Saudi Arabia and Oman
Halliburton posts 67% drop in net profit for the first quarter
Das Solar invests €109mn in photovoltaic plant in France

Recently published in

enCore Energy accelerates Alta Mesa uranium project expansion with 32 operational wells

US-based enCore Energy continues to optimise its uranium project in Texas with a record installation rate and strengthened leadership team.
Flamanville EPR reactor reconnected to grid two days ahead of schedule
EDF reconnected the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor to the power grid on 19 April, two days ahead of schedule, following a series of technical maintenance works and adjustments on critical components.
en_1140290959540-10
Flamanville EPR reactor reconnected to grid two days ahead of schedule
EDF reconnected the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor to the power grid on 19 April, two days ahead of schedule, following a series of technical maintenance works and adjustments on critical components.
en_1140290959540-10
TerraPower begins regulatory approval process for Natrium® reactor in the United Kingdom
TerraPower has informed the UK regulator of its intention to submit the Natrium reactor design for evaluation under the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, the first step toward international deployment of this nuclear technology.
en_1140290946540-11
TerraPower begins regulatory approval process for Natrium® reactor in the United Kingdom
TerraPower has informed the UK regulator of its intention to submit the Natrium reactor design for evaluation under the Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process, the first step toward international deployment of this nuclear technology.
en_1140290946540-11
Framatome and Sizewell C sign contract for EPR reactor instrumentation
Framatome and Sizewell C have signed a contract for the supply, qualification, and pre-assembly of conventional instrumentation for the EPR reactors under construction at Sizewell, strengthening their collaboration on this large-scale project.
en_1140290963540-7
Framatome and Sizewell C sign contract for EPR reactor instrumentation
Framatome and Sizewell C have signed a contract for the supply, qualification, and pre-assembly of conventional instrumentation for the EPR reactors under construction at Sizewell, strengthening their collaboration on this large-scale project.
en_1140290963540-7

Auxiliary works begin for modular nuclear project in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has launched the construction of auxiliary buildings for its future modular nuclear reactor, the first export project for the Russian RITM-200N technology.
Holtec submits final bid for UK small modular reactor selection
Holtec International has submitted its final proposal to Great British Nuclear as part of the competition to deploy several small modular reactors in the UK, joining GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR in the decisive phase.
en_1140290967540-4
Holtec submits final bid for UK small modular reactor selection
Holtec International has submitted its final proposal to Great British Nuclear as part of the competition to deploy several small modular reactors in the UK, joining GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR in the decisive phase.
en_1140290967540-4
EDF delays Flamanville EPR restart for the fourth time
The restart of the Flamanville EPR reactor, initially scheduled for 17 April, has now been postponed to 21 April following extended maintenance operations, according to a statement from Électricité de France.
en_1140290944540-11
EDF delays Flamanville EPR restart for the fourth time
The restart of the Flamanville EPR reactor, initially scheduled for 17 April, has now been postponed to 21 April following extended maintenance operations, according to a statement from Électricité de France.
en_1140290944540-11
EDF extends shutdown of Flamanville EPR due to additional maintenance operations
EDF announced on April 10 the extension of the shutdown of the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor, initially scheduled to restart on April 12, due to new maintenance operations within its nuclear zone.
en_1140290969540-3
EDF extends shutdown of Flamanville EPR due to additional maintenance operations
EDF announced on April 10 the extension of the shutdown of the Flamanville EPR nuclear reactor, initially scheduled to restart on April 12, due to new maintenance operations within its nuclear zone.
en_1140290969540-3

France: a fact-finding mission launched on nuclear electricity pricing

The French National Assembly has launched a mission to analyse nuclear pricing and anticipate the effects of the 2026 tariff reform amid heightened tensions over energy costs.
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR submit final offer in UK SMR selection process
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR have submitted their final offer as part of the modular reactor selection process led by Great British Nuclear in the United Kingdom.
en_1140290952540-6
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR submit final offer in UK SMR selection process
GE Hitachi and Rolls-Royce SMR have submitted their final offer as part of the modular reactor selection process led by Great British Nuclear in the United Kingdom.
en_1140290952540-6
The United States and the United Arab Emirates initiate a new civil nuclear agreement
Washington and Abu Dhabi pave the way for renewed civil nuclear cooperation, aiming to strengthen Emirati technological and energy capabilities within a complex regional strategic context.
en_1140290959540-5
The United States and the United Arab Emirates initiate a new civil nuclear agreement
Washington and Abu Dhabi pave the way for renewed civil nuclear cooperation, aiming to strengthen Emirati technological and energy capabilities within a complex regional strategic context.
en_1140290959540-5
Duke Energy seeks to extend operating licence for Robinson nuclear plant to 2050
Duke Energy has submitted a request to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the operation of its Robinson plant by 20 years, supporting energy stability in the Carolinas.
en_1140290943540-6
Duke Energy seeks to extend operating licence for Robinson nuclear plant to 2050
Duke Energy has submitted a request to the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission to extend the operation of its Robinson plant by 20 years, supporting energy stability in the Carolinas.
en_1140290943540-6

India accelerates towards small nuclear reactors to replace its coal plants

India's largest power producer, NTPC, paves the way for small modular reactors to modernize its aging energy infrastructure and strengthen energy security through significant international partnerships.
EDF postpones Flamanville EPR restart again to April
EDF has delayed the restart of the Flamanville EPR to 11 April, citing a new maintenance operation, while keeping its 2025 production forecast unchanged.
en_1140290962540-3
EDF postpones Flamanville EPR restart again to April
EDF has delayed the restart of the Flamanville EPR to 11 April, citing a new maintenance operation, while keeping its 2025 production forecast unchanged.
en_1140290962540-3
Fessenheim: EDF faces scrutiny over nuclear recycling project
EDF's plan to build a facility for recycling low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim is raising significant concerns over health, economics and regulation.
en_1140290947540-5
Fessenheim: EDF faces scrutiny over nuclear recycling project
EDF's plan to build a facility for recycling low-level radioactive metals in Fessenheim is raising significant concerns over health, economics and regulation.
en_1140290947540-5
enCore Energy boosts uranium extraction in Texas and restructures its leadership
enCore Energy extracted 50,000 pounds of uranium in March from its Alta Mesa site in Texas, while consolidating its operations through strategic leadership appointments.
en_1140290944540-5
enCore Energy boosts uranium extraction in Texas and restructures its leadership
enCore Energy extracted 50,000 pounds of uranium in March from its Alta Mesa site in Texas, while consolidating its operations through strategic leadership appointments.
en_1140290944540-5

Ontario Power Generation granted licence to build SMR at Darlington

Canada's nuclear regulator has issued Ontario Power Generation a construction licence for a BWRX-300 small modular reactor at the Darlington site, marking a key step in the province’s nuclear development.
Despite sanctions, Rosatom expands global nuclear influence and secures exports
Despite severe Western sanctions targeting Russian energy, Rosatom continues its international nuclear projects and maintains a steady flow of enriched uranium to Europe and the United States, thus supporting the Russian economy through an effective diversification strategy.
en_1140291018540
Despite sanctions, Rosatom expands global nuclear influence and secures exports
Despite severe Western sanctions targeting Russian energy, Rosatom continues its international nuclear projects and maintains a steady flow of enriched uranium to Europe and the United States, thus supporting the Russian economy through an effective diversification strategy.
en_1140291018540
NANO Nuclear begins construction of its first KRONOS MMR reactor with the University of Illinois
The agreement between NANO Nuclear Energy and the University of Illinois launches the first university-based installation of the KRONOS MMR reactor, marking the beginning of construction and certification procedures.
en_1140290948540-2
NANO Nuclear begins construction of its first KRONOS MMR reactor with the University of Illinois
The agreement between NANO Nuclear Energy and the University of Illinois launches the first university-based installation of the KRONOS MMR reactor, marking the beginning of construction and certification procedures.
en_1140290948540-2
Poland: New agreement enables revival of AP1000 nuclear plant project
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe has signed a development agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium, ensuring continuity of Poland's first nuclear plant project after a previous contract expired.
en_1140290956540-2
Poland: New agreement enables revival of AP1000 nuclear plant project
Polskie Elektrownie Jądrowe has signed a development agreement with the Westinghouse-Bechtel consortium, ensuring continuity of Poland's first nuclear plant project after a previous contract expired.
en_1140290956540-2

China launches financing search for innovative nuclear project

China National Nuclear Corporation mobilizes international investors and financial partners for a unique nuclear project combining two distinct technologies to simultaneously supply industrial heat and electricity, marking a new strategic step for China's energy industry.
Framatome and TechnicAtome acquire Segault to secure the French nuclear supply chain
Framatome and TechnicAtome have acquired Segault, a strategic nuclear valve manufacturer, thereby blocking a takeover by the American firm Flowserve following opposition from the French government.
en_1140290948540
Framatome and TechnicAtome acquire Segault to secure the French nuclear supply chain
Framatome and TechnicAtome have acquired Segault, a strategic nuclear valve manufacturer, thereby blocking a takeover by the American firm Flowserve following opposition from the French government.
en_1140290948540
Duke Energy extends Oconee nuclear plant’s operation through 2054
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year extension for the operating licences of Oconee Nuclear Station, reinforcing energy supply in the Carolinas amid growing regional demand.
en_1140290954540
Duke Energy extends Oconee nuclear plant’s operation through 2054
The United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission has approved a 20-year extension for the operating licences of Oconee Nuclear Station, reinforcing energy supply in the Carolinas amid growing regional demand.
en_1140290954540
Radioactive leak in Flamanville: EDF delays reactor restart by one month
A radioactive steam leak detected in the reactor building of Flamanville unit 1 forces EDF to postpone its restart by one month, according to the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority.
en_1140290943540-24
Radioactive leak in Flamanville: EDF delays reactor restart by one month
A radioactive steam leak detected in the reactor building of Flamanville unit 1 forces EDF to postpone its restart by one month, according to the Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection Authority.
en_1140290943540-24

Advertising

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

VERVANT

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS