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Urenco funds sustainable food research
22 April 2022
Urenco is supporting research that harnesses nuclear science and technology to improve the resilience of soils in countries, as their people adapt to the challenges of climate change.
We have become a ‘Nuclear Saves’ partner. This partnership supports a programme run by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).
Our funding will go towards developing “climate smart” agricultural practices to improve crop production and into further research into greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and their sources. For example, crops that flourish on saline water so they can grow in flood plains, or research into drought tolerant soils and yields.
This will help communities struggling with food security to support themselves and adapt to the challenges posed by climate change.
Nuclear technologies provide competitive and often unique solutions to help fight hunger and malnutrition, and include isotopic techniques and irradiation, which have several benefits including reducing bacterial contamination and preventing premature sprouting and ripening.
This social investment partnership comes as part of our wider sustainability strategy to innovate and support communities, local and globally, whilst supporting the transition to a low carbon, net zero future
Dave Sexton, Chief Operating Officer for Urenco, said: “Sustainability is incredibly important to us and that includes the social impact we are able to have around the world. We are therefore very pleased to be able to support the IAEA and the FAO.”
Najat Mokhtar, IAEA Deputy Director General, said: “We will work together to deliver sustainable, environment-friendly methods enabling countries to improve the health and prosperity of millions of people around the world.
“The new project Urenco supports is using nuclear science and technology to develop climate-smart agricultural practices to reduce GHGs.”
This announcement comes on Earth Day, April 22, where actions to address climate change and move towards net zero are highlighted.
About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of enrichment services and fuel cycle products with sustainability at the core of its business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for 50 years, Urenco facilitates zero carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office near London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Using centrifuge technology designed and developed by Urenco, and through the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services; operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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