
Orano takes steps to ensure energy economy and efficiency. For instance, it:
Orano ha committed to an energy-economy plan and has entered into partnership with RTE as part of the Ecowatt Project. This "exceptional situation" commits businesses to reducing their electrical consumption by taking various measures. It also requires individuals to include eco-ctions in day-to-day behavior. With the onset of winter, Orano made a point of encouraging employees to take simple eco-actions every day, both in the workplace and at home. Examples might berestricting the heating to 19°C, switching off the light when leaving a room and not running electrical devices during peak hours.
The Group reduced its emissions by 57% between 2004 and 2019. The Group has set an objective of an additional 25% reduction between 2019 and 2025, focusing its efforts in four areas:
The Orano Somaïr site is currently planning to install 8 MW of solar-photovoltaic production capacity. This will meet 20% of its required energy consumption and reduce its Scope-2 greenhouse-gas emissions.
Orano Mining is also currently considering capitalizing on this initiative to develop a skills-based subsidiary in the country, which has a high potential for solar energy
Orano has been quantifying the carbon footprint within the value chain (known as Scope 3), since 2019. It represents 80% of the Group’s total footprint. Most of the impact is upstream of our operations, mainly from the purchase of goods and services and capital assets.
The working group leading this topic is focusing its efforts in three areas:
After identifying the purchasing segments that contribute most to the Group’s Scope 3, the supply chain team has invited the main suppliers (around 30) to brief them on their carbon footprint and their short- and medium-term trajectory; and to align us all regarding a common objective for 2030.
Orano is fully aware of the need to adapt our activities to climate change. Since 2021, it has been assessing the risks and opportunities related to physical and transition risks, in compliance with the Task-Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) standard.
The physical risks related to climate change have been analyzed up to 2050 based on emission scenarios RCP-4.5 and RCP-8.5. The impacts identified were moderate and are being managed as part of an adaptation plan.
Scenario with very low emissions with a culminating point before 2050. This is the most optimistic scenario.
Scenario with stabilization of emissions at a low level before the end of the 21st century.
Scenario with stabilization of emissions at a medium level before the end of the 21st century.
No changes are made. GHG emissions continue to increase at the current rate. This is the most pessimistic scenario.
The nature of its activities, which enable the delivery of low-carbon, manageable, competitive and safe electricity, means that the effects of climate change are, in terms of transition, mostly opportunities for Orano. The contribution of Orano’s activities to a low-carbon world is demonstrated by the strategic directions it has taken in the past, one of which is, importantly, the climate. This commitment is evident today in its purpose, and, in practical terms, in its investment in research, development and innovation in technologies for decarbonization and resource conservation.
Orano has made the climate and the conservation of resources central to its purpose and its strategic directions.
The Group has always been involved in the circular economy, both throughout the nuclear-fuel cycle and in reprocessing spent nuclear fuels in its La Hague and Melox plants. This solution allows us to reduce the quantity and radioactivity of the waste.
The Group is exploring and developing new models in the following areas: the circular economy for rare and strategic resources; the transition and modernization of industrial models; the control of complex materials and the reduction of their impact; health ecosystems; carbon neutrality; and the reduction of the environmental footprint.
Launched in 2020, the Orano project aims to develop battery recycling for electric vehicles. The first results of the two industrial pilots built in the new facilities of CIME (extractive metallurgy innovation center) at the Orano site in Bessines-sur-Gartempe now make it possible to switch to the industrial scale. Orano is planning to build industrial recycling facilities in Hauts-de-France whose capacity must cover 10% of the needs of the European market by 2030.