Orano - Annual Activity Report 2024 92 3 RISKS, CONTROL AND DUTY OF VIGILANCE PLAN Duty of vigilance plan Continuous optimization of radioactive waste management The operating, dismantling and decommissioning activities of the group’s nuclear facilities may generate radioactive waste that could present a risk to the environment and surrounding populations. These risks are classified based on the level of their radiological activity (in accordance with the levels usually applied: very low, low, medium, or high), and the lifespan of the radionuclides they contain (very short, short or long). To address this, Orano dedicates a significant part of its duty of vigilance to the management and treatment of radioactive waste. Once again, Orano’s strategy is monitored and controlled by the ASN. Waste management in accordance with national and European requirements Orano aligns its radioactive waste management methods with the principles outlined in the French Environmental Code and those stemming from the European Directive No. 2011/70/Euratom of July 19, 2011. These guiding principles include: ● protecting public health, safety and the environment; ● preventing and limiting burdens on future generations; ● reducing the quantity and harmfulness of radioactive waste, in particular by using appropriate processing and packaging methods; ● organizing waste shipments and limiting them in distance and volume; and ● providing information to the public on the environmental and public health effects of waste production and management operations, subject to confidentiality rules provided in the law, and on the measures taken to prevent or offset harmful effects. Each step of radioactive waste management is characterized by actions to be carried out in compliance with these golden rules: ● have a formal and up-to-date framework; ● comply with, apply and adapt the waste management guidelines; ● limit waste generation; ● limit the harmfulness of waste; ● select the most appropriate waste management method; ● reduce the volume of conditioned waste; ● remove waste promptly; ● ensure good waste storage conditions; ● evacuate as soon as possible; and ● promote continuous improvement in waste management practices. All of these rules ensure the safe and responsible management of radioactive waste within the group and the development of consistent and efficient practices across all its sites. Orano is involved in researching new waste treatment processes as well as sharing experiences to improve and optimize waste management. Information on waste flows and volumes stored at Orano’s nuclear facilities, particularly volumes, is communicated to the relevant authorities in the form of annual reports. Application of the French National Plan for the Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste (PNGMDR) The sustainable radioactive waste management solutions used by Orano align with the guidelines of the French National Plan for the Management of Radioactive Materials and Waste (PNGMDR). The PNGMDR assesses existing management methods for radioactive materials and waste, identifies the anticipated needs for storage or disposal facilities, and specifies the required capacities for these facilities and their storage durations. Its development and updates - extended from three to five years in the fifth edition (2022-2026) - are carried out under the supervision of the French Nuclear Safety Authority (ASN) and Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC). Orano is strongly involved in the development of the PNGMDR, and is represented by its Strategic Dismantling and Waste Programming Department, which leads and coordinates cross-functional actions and studies related to the plan’s development, implementation, and monitoring. The internal governance of the PNGMDR has been strengthened since 2020 with the establishment, within Orano, of the Strategic and Technical Committee (STC). The STC is responsible for validating and deploying the action plans for the implementation of the PNGMDR. The STC meets quarterly but additional thematic meetings may be organized as needed. Strong measures to contribute to the fight against global warming and adapt to climate change Orano’s activities (mining, enrichment, project development) have a significant carbon footprint within the overall footprint of a nucleargenerated kWh. Orano is implementing various measures to reduce its carbon footprint while contributing through nuclear energy to the lowcarbon transition. Nuclear power’s ability to guarantee low-carbon electricity is crucial in addressing the climate emergency and meeting the growing global demand for electricity. Nuclear energy is one of the energies that emit the least greenhouse gases (GHG) in the world. On November 28, 2023, the European Parliament officially recognized nuclear energy as a “green technology” in its Net Zero Industry Act (NZI Act). Assessment of greenhouse gas emissions Direct and indirect greenhouse gas emissions (scopes 1, 2 and 3) are assessed annually according to the rules of the GHG Protocol. Other emissions (with local effect: NOx, SOx, etc.) are subject to specific controls and are monitored at industrial site level. They are reported in the specific publications of the group’s companies, available on Orano’s website in the reference publications. Climate change mitigation plan Orano has adopted an approach to define a carbon footprint reduction plan, monitored at the highest level of the group. Orano manages a portfolio of GHG emission reduction projects in France and abroad.
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