Latest news with #Andra
LeMonde
04-06-2025
- Business
- LeMonde
France lacks storage solution for 280,000 cubic meters of low-level radioactive waste hazardous for 100,000 years
In mid-May, the French National Agency for Radioactive Waste Management (Andra) published a new estimate of the total cost for the Cigéo project: an industrial geological storage center intended to bury the most dangerous nuclear waste, which could cost between €26 billion and €37 billion over a 150-year period. In the midst of the nuclear sector's relaunch, the government needs to take a position on these figures before 2026, and the authorization to begin this unprecedented project is expected between 2027 and 2028. It was in this context that the Court of Audit, the national administrative court charged with conducting financial and legislative audits of public institutions, examined Andra's activities, a state-owned industrial and commercial agency created in 1991 and responsible for managing all waste produced by the nuclear sector. In a report published on Wednesday, June 4, the Court stated that the agency's financial situation was "sound and robust": thanks to the implementation of the "polluter pays" principle, the majority of its resources are provided by contributions from waste producers – mainly EDF (the national utility company), Orano (multinational nuclear fuel cycle corporation) and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA).
Reuters
12-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
French nuclear waste project to cost up to $42 billion, says agency
PARIS, May 12 (Reuters) - France's new nuclear waste storage project is expected to cost between 26 billion euros ($28.93 billion) and 37.5 billion euros, the national nuclear waste agency said on Monday, up from an earlier estimate of around 25 billion euros. The project, called Cigeo, is located in eastern France's Grand East region between two wine-producing cities Reims and Nancy, and is expected to become the country's first long-term storage site for its nuclear waste. Due to start development in 2027, plans for the storage 500 metres below ground have faced protests from nearby residents. A decree from the ministry of industry is expected by the end of the year finalising the costs, which will serve as a reference until the next assessment, said the waste agency, known as Andra. Both the cost and the site face further reviews, due at the latest by the end of 2026. Construction could begin by 2027 if the French nuclear safety authority approves the application, and the first waste packages would be received in 2050, with an expected operating life of one century. ($1 = 0.8986 euros)
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Pullela Gopichand Academy and Endiya Partners Team Up for 'Game On!' Sports Fest
How Sports Values Are Shaping the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs: Inside 'Game On!' In both the worlds of sports and startups, certain qualities are non-negotiable: the ability to reflect, bounce back from failures, and keep moving forward despite challenges. These traits are vital whether you're striving for gold on the court or striving to build the next big business. Traits like teamwork, persistence, and resilience often make the difference between success and failure. It's no surprise, then, that many celebrated athletes, after retiring, step confidently into the entrepreneurial arena. Pullela Gopichand, the celebrated badminton coach and former international player, highlights this connection vividly. Speaking with Hyderabad Media House, he shares, "Whether it's on the court or in the boardroom, success demands discipline, adaptability, and relentless focus. You need to show up every day, stay mentally sharp, and trust your team." Building on this thought, Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy and early-stage VC firm Endiya Partners have come together to launch Game On!, a one-of-a-kind sports tournament crafted exclusively for India's startup community. Designed to encourage wellness, resilience, and leadership, Game On! reflects a deeper understanding that the demands of entrepreneurship mirror the mental and physical rigour of sports. Sateesh Andra, Managing Director of Endiya Partners, who himself played competitive table tennis, says, "In the early days of a startup, consistency matters more than anything else. It's similar to the 'training mindset' of top athletes." Set to debut at Bengaluru's Lakshyan Academy of Sports on June 6 and 7, the tournament will feature badminton, table tennis, and box cricket—sports chosen for their accessibility, speed, and teamwork elements. "Our choice of sports mirrors the spirit of startups—quick thinking, collaboration, and resilience. Success is rarely a solo achievement," adds Andra. Post the Bengaluru launch, Endiya plans to extend the tournament series to Mumbai and Delhi, and possibly to Hyderabad and Chennai later this year. Startups participating will pay a small fee, making the initiative inclusive and accessible. Addressing an Urgent Need The life of a founder is high-pressure, fast-paced, and rarely offers downtime. Over recent years, the startup ecosystem has witnessed heartbreaking losses, often linked to health complications exacerbated by stress. "While we may not fully understand the reasons—whether it's genetics, stress, or lifestyle—the fact remains: founders need space to recharge," says Andra. Backing this belief, Endiya, which has invested in startups like Cult Fit, Darwinbox, eKincare, and Sugar Fit, recognises that true entrepreneurial success goes beyond capital—it demands balance. "We look at founder wellbeing as a critical, long-term investment," Andra states. 'Training your mind and heart is as important as preparing a product for launch," Andra shares. "In startups, like in sports, you win some and lose some. What matters is how you show up, day after day." The Bigger Vision: A Healthier, Stronger Startup Culture Game On! is not just about competition; it's about fostering a culture where taking a break to recharge is not seen as a weakness, but as a strength. It seeks to further integrate such practices into everyday startup life through sport and peer bonding. Andra believes that sporting events reveal critical entrepreneurial traits—like communication under pressure, how founders support teammates, and how they handle setbacks—insights often hidden during formal meetings. Gopichand agrees: 'Daily, purposeful practice builds strong teams and stronger leaders. Trust, honesty, and effort define winning cultures, whether in sports or startups." Meditation has been Gopichand's personal tool for resilience. "It keeps me grounded, clears my mind, and helps me refocus," he shares. Reflecting on today's young Indian founders, Gopichand feels inspired by their energy but urges them not to underestimate the value of pausing and reflecting. 'In sports, recovery is not separate from performance. In building something meaningful, it's just as crucial. Initiatives like Game On! offer entrepreneurs a rare chance to reconnect with themselves and their teams outside of business roles.' In the end, Gopichand sums it up beautifully: 'Small moments of reflection and connection help build bigger victories in life.'
