LES ACTIVITÉS NUCLÉAIRES : RAYONNEMENTS IONISANTS ET RISQUES POUR LA SANTÉ ET L’ENVIRONNEMENT In this context, ASNR considers that the overall working of the “fuel cycle” is stabilised: ∙The action plan implemented by Orano since 2019 to overcome the production difficulties at Melox is still in progress. The “wet process” depleted uranium powder from Sweden, qualified in September 2022, is still being used and the Melox plant’s ambitious production targets for 2025 have been met. For 2026, Orano plans to undertake a qualification phase at Melox for uranium powder from its new “New Wet Process” (NVH) facility at its Malvési plant. ∙The problems with Melox production led to faster than anticipated saturation of the storage capacity for plutonium-bearing materials, requiring the creation of new storage areas for these materials at La Hague. A first extension was authorised by ASN in April 2022, a second in April 2023 and a third by ASNR in March 2025, with a view to commissioning in early 2026. ∙The densification of the pools at La Hague, authorised by ASN in December 2024, consists of replacing the baskets currently used in the pools with more compact baskets, in compliance with the limits set by the Creation Authorisation Decrees (DACs) for BNIs 116 and 117. The aim of this modification is to gradually increase the number of spaces available, without however increasing at this stage the quantity of spent fuel stored in the pools currently authorised in the safety standards. Orano has been rolling it out since July 2025. The gradual increase in the number of spaces available through the use of densified baskets is a countermeasure that makes it possible to regain storage margins for spent fuel before reaching saturation point, pending the commissioning of new storage capacity. ASNR considers that these storage margins should only be used as a last resort to deal with a proven saturation point and for as short a period as possible, given the timeframes for receiving and processing spent fuel. This last resort would then require specific authorisation by ASNR. 1.5 Outlook: planned facilities Construction of new storage capacity for waste packages on the La Hague site To anticipate the saturation of storage capacity for CSD-V (units R7, T7 and E/EV/SE), construction work on new storage facilities, known as the “glass storage extension on the La Hague site” (E/EV/LH) began in 2007. These facilities are being built module by module, with the construction of identical units called “pits”. On 8 September 2022, ASN authorised the introduction of radioactive waste packages into pit 50 in the E/EV/LH2 unit. Pit 60 is under construction in order to increase storage capacity. The first package is expected to be placed into pit 60 in 2026, subject to authorisation from ASNR. In addition, an extension of CSD-C storage, authorised by the Decree of 27 November 2020, is currently under construction; radioactive substances should be introduced into this extension for the first time in 2026, after authorisation by ASNR. In 2023, Orano submitted an application for a substantial modification to the Creation Authorisation Decree (DAC) of BNI 116 (UP3-A) to increase the storage capacity for CSD-C waste packages and CSD-V waste packages. This application will be the subject of a public inquiry in 2026. Extension project for the North unit of the George Besse II plant on the Tricastin site In July 2022, Orano sent ASN a Safety Options Dossier (DOS) concerning a project to extend the North unit of the GB II plant, in order to increase the plant’s production capacity by about 30%. ASN issued a position statement on the file on 7 February 2023. A prior consultation was held on this project by Orano, under the aegis of the National Commission for Public Debate (CNDP), from 1 February to 9 March 2023. The guarantors designated by the CNDP submitted the results of the consultation on 9 May 2023, to which Orano responded on 13 June 2023, indicating that it intended to continue with the project. On 19 June 2023, Orano submitted an application for modification of the DAC in order to increase the production capacity of the GB II plant by about 30%. The application was the subject of a public inquiry in 2025 and ASNR is currently examining it. A resolution could conclude the procedure in 2026. EDF centralised storage pool project at La Hague During the public debate held in 2019, prior to the 5th edition of the National Radioactive Materials and Waste Management Plan (PNGMDR), EDF reaffirmed that its strategy to increase spent fuel storage capacity is based on the construction of a new centralised storage pool. This new facility should allow storage of spent fuels for which reprocessing or disposal can only be envisaged in the longterm future. The envisaged operating life for this storage facility was therefore about a century. On 15 October 2024, during the plenary meeting of the High Committee for Transparency and Information on Nuclear Security (HCTISN), EDF and Orano announced that they were abandoning the spent fuel centralised storage pool project supported by EDF, in favour of another project, still at La Hague, but with Orano as owner. This new spent fuel storage capacity should be commissioned in 2040. ASNR has taken note of the government’s approval of this new strategy in March 2025 and reiterates the importance of having new spent fuel storage facilities in place by 2040 at the latest, which meet the latest safety standards, in order to provide a long-term solution to the risk of current storage capacity reaching its limit. Project for dry storage of spent fuels on the La Hague site In November 2021, Orano submitted the first version of a DOS to ASN which considers it to be insufficient at this stage to enable it to issue a ruling. The updated DOS sent by Orano in 2023 is currently being examined by ASNR and a position statement will be issued when the project is confirmed. ASNR Report on the state of nuclear safety and radiation protection in France in 2025 325 09 10 11 13 12 A / Z 08 01 05 02 06 03 07 04
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