SWITCH ON THE ASSYSTEM PODCAST
Season 2 Episode 6
What is the impact of the nuclear renaissance on the fuel cycle?
PODCAST SUMMARY
In this episode, we look at a fundamental aspect of the future of nuclear energy: fuel cycle management.
As the world moves towards carbon neutrality, demand for nuclear fuel is rising, driven by the development of new-generation reactors such as SMRs and AMRs. Europe, committed to reducing its net greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, must rise to this challenge by extending the lifespan of its ageing infrastructure and anticipating new fuel requirements.
But that's not all. Geopolitical tensions are leading to a reconsideration of uranium supply sources, raising crucial questions about energy sovereignty.
Find out how these dynamics are redefining the nuclear sector and what this means for the future of energy in Europe and around the world.
THE AUTHORs
Thomas Branche
Executive Vice President France, Nuclear & Energy New Build
A graduate of France’s prestigious Ecole Polytechnique and a member of the Corps des Mines, Thomas joined Assystem in July 2012 taking charge of the French Nuclear business unit. In 2017, Thomas became Senior Vice-President in charge of “Energy Transition and Infrastructure” activities, then in 2022, of Assystem’s engineering activities worldwide. He is appointed Executive Vice President France, Nuclear & Energy New Build in July 2023 and represents the French professional federation of engineering companies on France’s Hydrogen Council.
Olivier Vincent
Director of Development
Olivier, an engineer graduated from the École d’Arts et Métiers and ESC Toulouse, began his career in 2009 at Areva. He started in India, supporting the sale of EPR reactors for the JNPP project, before specialising in hydrogen energy storage. He then took on the role of Director of Strategy for the group’s Treatment and Recycling activities. In 2017, Olivier joined Assystem as Director of Strategy for nuclear activities. Currently, Olivier is the Director of Development, responsible for AMR-SMR activities and the Orano account.
SWITCH ON THE ASSYSTEM PODCAST
In Switch On, our engineering, digital and project management experts shed light on the projects and technologies that are contributing to the energy transition around the world today.