Orano Group, a recognised global leader in nuclear materials, has signed framework agreements with Synthos Green Energy (SGE) and its joint venture with ORLEN, ORLEN Synthos Green Energy (OSGE). The partnership supports small modular reactor fuel cycle programmes and contributes to the development of a strong European supply chain for advanced nuclear technologies.
The agreements were signed during the World Nuclear Exhibition (WNE) in Paris by Rafał Kasprów, Chief Executive Officer of SGE and OSGE, and Nicolas Maes, Chief Executive Officer of Orano. Under the agreements, Orano will provide a broad range of services and technical support to SGE and OSGE for the deployment of small modular reactors across Central and Eastern Europe.
The partnership enables Polish companies to access comprehensive fuel cycle expertise for SMR projects, representing another important step in building a robust European supply chain for the BWRX-300 technology. The agreements also mark a significant milestone in the efforts of SGE and OSGE to develop and deploy a fleet of GE Vernova Hitachi reactors in Poland and across the region.
Closer cooperation between Orano, SGE and OSGE will allow the Polish partners to acquire advanced know-how covering the entire nuclear fuel cycle and strengthen the implementation of solutions required for SMR investments. Orano’s involvement — as a specialist in the nuclear fuel cycle — further reinforces SGE’s and OSGE’s strategy to build an integrated and resilient European supply chain for the BWRX-300 technology.
The agreements cover services across the full nuclear fuel cycle based on Orano’s existing industrial solutions, including uranium mining, conversion and enrichment, spent fuel reprocessing, transport and storage, engineering services and decommissioning. Orano already supports SMR projects worldwide and plays an active role in the development of the BWRX-300 technology. Notably, two years ago Orano signed an agreement with Ontario Power Generation to supply nuclear fuel for the first BWRX-300 reactor currently under construction at the Darlington site in Canada.
“Engaging a partner such as Orano in our projects represents another step towards building a truly ‘European BWRX-300’,” said Rafał Kasprów. “Growing interest from multiple European countries in deploying this technology provides a strong foundation for establishing a robust supply chain within the European Union. Uranium supply and enrichment by Orano, combined with nuclear fuel manufacturing in Spain, will allow the BWRX-300 fleet to become an important pillar of energy security in the Central and Eastern European region.”
“Orano is firmly convinced of the essential role of nuclear energy in decarbonising electricity generation, as well as providing heat for households and industry, and welcomes the opportunity to deepen cooperation with SGE and OSGE,” said Nicolas Maes. “Our partnership aims to leverage Orano’s proven solutions to support both SGE and OSGE projects.”
