Orano Revolutionizes Nuclear Transport with the TN Eagle

the TN Eagle, Orano's latest innovation, improving safety and competitiveness in nuclear transport.

Partagez:

Orano recently introduced the TN Eagle, a new-generation packaging model. This development marks a significant step forward in the safety and efficiency of spent nuclear fuel transportation. Approved by France’s Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) in 2020, the TN Eagle meets the latest International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) standards. In fact, this success is based on a series of rigorous tests, attesting to its robustness in the face of extreme transport conditions.

The TN Eagle’s innovative design features a modular structure to meet the diverse needs of nuclear power plant operators. Frédéric de Agostini, Orano’s Executive Vice President for Nuclear Packaging & Services, points out that this design considerably reduces the number of transport packaging components by a factor of ten, while cutting manufacturing times and boosting safety and competitiveness.

Adaptation and Approval in the United States

Despite its approval in France, the TN Eagle model had to be adapted to meet specific US requirements for spent fuel storage. However, approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States is a key milestone for Orano, paving the way for significant expansion in the transportation of used nuclear fuel in the US market.

Construction and future of TN Eagle 4.0

The development of the TN Eagle is part of a major project involving the construction of a new factory in Cherbourg, France. However, launched in February 2023, the project is supported by the France Relance investment fund. Commissioning of the TN Eagle 4.0 plant is scheduled for 2024. The facility is designed to reinforce Orano’s position as a leader in the nuclear transport sector, while contributing to the local and national economy.

The TN Eagle represents a major technological breakthrough in the nuclear transport sector, offering a safer, more efficient and more competitive solution. This development illustrates Orano’s commitment to innovation and nuclear safety, while responding to the changing needs of the global market.

After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has announced his country's interest in small modular nuclear reactors to meet national energy challenges and decarbonize the maritime sector within the next fifteen years.
TerraPower, an American nuclear company, secures $650 million funding from investors, including NVIDIA, to develop its Natrium modular reactors in the United States and internationally.
EDF and the French state finalize a €70 billion financing plan for six EPR2 nuclear reactors, including a specific territorial coordination framework in Gravelines led by Michel Marbaix, awaiting European approval by 2026.
Maire S.p.A and Newcleo form strategic partnership to industrialise the development of 200 MW modular nuclear power plants, via a joint venture majority-owned by Nextchem.