Radiological cleanliness inspection in the new CERA workshop
The Romans-sur-Isère site houses specialized workshops where CERCA manufactures fuel elements for research reactors. These operations center around a "uranium zone," where compacted powder is processed into fuel elements and medical targets. To support anticipated growth and align with modern standards, Framatome replaced the existing uranium zone with a new, advanced facility equipped with updated technology to enhance nuclear safety and security.
Lionel Gaiffe, senior executive vice president of Framatome’s Fuel Business Unit, stated: “We have leveraged over 65 years of experience to enhance processes in the new facility. Safety, security, environmental considerations and the reliability of the installations were the primary focus. We can be proud of this new facility which will ensure the supply of fuel for research reactors and medical targets for our customers for decades to come.”
Since its establishment in 1959, CERCA has steadily expanded its operations at the Romans-sur-Isère site. It is now the leading global supplier of fuel for research reactors, serving nearly all European research reactors and a substantial portion of those worldwide. Over 20,000 fuel elements have been produced by CERCA for research reactors globally. Additionally, 75% of technetium-99m scans, a critical medical imaging procedure, rely on medical targets manufactured by CERCA.
The new workshop underscores Framatome’s commitment to advancing nuclear technology while meeting the growing demand for research reactor fuel and medical isotopes. This development strengthens the site’s capacity to deliver reliable, high-quality products to customers worldwide.
