What is the area of expertise of Mirion Technologies and its products?
With more than 2,500 employees and 36 production sites in 24 countries, Mirion Technologies asserts its leadership position. Our mission: “To exploit our unprecedented knowledge of ionizing radiation for the common good of humanity.”
The Mirion group is specialized in the detection and identification of radioactivity. This has two origins: the natural radioactivity of the Earth and the artificial radioactivity generated by man. The latter, for example, is used in radiology for cancer treatment and in nuclear power plants for energy production… But it can also be diverted for terrorist purposes.
We design and manufacture devices to measure, detect and identify radioisotopes. Our main customers are nuclear power plants, the medical world and the defense industry. We intervene for the protection of major events such as the Olympic Games or the World Cups, the protection of critical sites such as airports, ports or border controls. For example, we provide mobile or fixed screening gates.
What are the factors driving the growth of your markets?
Nuclear power is currently experiencing renewed interest as a low-carbon power that operates 24 hours a day. Since Covid and the war in Ukraine, national sovereignty is frequently mentioned. France has one of the largest nuclear parks in the world and is therefore able to control its energy. Therefore, many countries are investing in nuclear power to meet this need.
Nuclear energy also has the advantage of generating jobs with very high added value. In France, the sector represents 220,000 people, it is the third after the automotive industry and aeronautics. For all these reasons, there is a strong push for civilian nuclear power.
Regarding our defense markets, the geopolitical context is pushing countries to significantly increase their budgets, which has an impact on our activities. In the health market, the spectacular growth of cancers, whose treatment requires the use of radioactivity, leads to a greater need for our equipment.
How does the new French energy policy affect your company and the nuclear industry?
In February 2022, the President of the Republic announced several measures. First, the extension of the useful life of power plants, which implies investments to replace or install equipment. Then, the construction of new plants, that is, 6 firm reactors and 8 optional, and also the construction of Small Modular Reactors (SMR), small nuclear reactors, which can be used for other applications, for example for the manufacture of green hydrogen .
All these measures increase the demand for detection equipment such as: dosimeters, portals that allow radioactivity to be measured at the plant’s entrances and exits, but also water, gas and air analysis equipment. The objective is to detect any radioactive leak in order to shut down the plant in the event of an alarm. These devices are safety critical and adhere to strict standards.
This content was produced with SCRIBEO. The BFMBUSINESS editorial team was not involved in the production of this content.
Source: BFM TV
