France: EIB and Orano sign a loan agreement for €400 million relating to the project to extend the Georges Besse 2 uranium enrichment plant

France-based Orano has secured a €400 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to expand its uranium enrichment capacity at the Georges Besse 2 plant in Tricastin. This project, part of a €1.7 billion investment, aims to increase enrichment capacity by 30% to support low-carbon energy production. The expansion aligns with the European strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependence and enhance energy security. The project is expected to be operational by 2028, with full commissioning by 2030, and will supply low-carbon energy to 120 million households.