Business · Companies · 7 hrs ago
Orano steps up French nuclear investments and plans 1,700 hires
Orano is expanding its nuclear business with investments in France and plans to hire 1,700 people this year.
The French group is increasing uranium-enrichment capacity at Tricastin and renewing used-fuel recycling facilities at La Hague.
It is also studying a plant project in Tennessee, supported by a US subsidy of $900 million.
Orano chief executive Nicolas Maes says nuclear power can help fight climate change and support France’s energy independence.
He says uranium is imported, but processed in French plants, and that less than €5 of a €300 electricity bill reflects the cost of uranium.
Orano plans to recruit people from vocational-school graduates to engineers, including workers changing careers, and has proposed a 4.5% pay rise.
Orano is increasing investment at its French nuclear sites and plans to hire 1,700 people this year.
The investments include expanding uranium enrichment capacity at Tricastin and renewing used-fuel recycling facilities at La Hague.
Chief executive Nicolas Maes said nuclear power is important for fighting climate change, national sovereignty and purchasing power.
Orano is also studying a proposed plant in Tennessee, backed by a US subsidy of $900 million.
The company has proposed a 4.5% pay increase, according to franceinfo.
- Who
- Orano, led by chief executive Nicolas Maes.
- What
- The company is increasing investment in France and plans to hire 1,700 people this year.
- When
- The plans were reported on 13 November 2026.
- Where
- At Tricastin and La Hague in France; Orano is also studying a plant in Tennessee, United States.
- Why
- Maes says nuclear power supports climate action, sovereignty and purchasing power. He also described uranium processing in France as a strategic asset.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Orano plans to recruit 1,700 people, from vocational-school graduates to engineers, including people changing careers.
Nicolas Maes appeared on franceinfo and discussed the company's investments and hiring plans.
- Planned hires
- 1,700 people this year
- Proposed pay increase
- 4.5%
- French enrichment site
- Tricastin
- French recycling site
- La Hague
- Proposed US plant
- Tennessee; supported by a $900 million subsidy
What people are saying
Le nucléaire est un élément clé pour la lutte contre le réchauffement climatique
Sur une facture de 300 euros, moins de 5 euros correspondent au prix de l'uranium
Nous recevons en ce moment un CV toutes les deux minutes, jour et nuit