French energy groups Areva and EDF appear to have reached an agreement regarding the treatment of nuclear waste – the companies have finally made the announcement following weeks of tension but according to a joint statement they confirm that a contract will be signed before the end of the first quarter of 2010.

The agreement relates to the transportation, treatment and recycling of used nuclear material however Areva, a world leader in nuclear energy, and utilities group EDF Energy stated that talks would continue regarding uranium enrichment.

Furthermore it cements a long-term partnership for operations of treatment-recycling of used fuel, and reprocessed fuel fabrication (MOX1) – Guaranteeing both EDF and AREVA long-term visibility on their recycling partnership.

The chief executives of the two companies had been called in to Prime Minister Francois Fillon’s office for talks on January 20, 2010 where the government then gave them until last Thursday to reach an agreement on the contract.

EDF will increase the amounts of used fuel sent for treatment to La Hague from 850 tons to 1,050 tons per year and the amounts of MOX fuel fabricated at the Melox site from 100 to 120 tons per year.

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Sources: nuclearpowerdaily.com / areva.com

Tags: business utilities

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