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Urenco partners with Bechtel to support energy security
02 November 2023
Urenco has engaged global construction company Bechtel as part of a major plan to bolster worldwide energy security and low-carbon power.
The plan will enable Urenco to deliver on its capacity programme at all four of its uranium enrichment sites around the globe.
This will allow for Urenco to meet increasing customer demand in the long term as more countries and utility companies turn to nuclear energy for the first time – or seek to extend and/or diversify their existing supplies of nuclear fuel.
Bechtel will provide front end engineering services to support Urenco to expand its Tails Management Facility (TMF) in the UK so it is capable of processing greater volumes of the by-product of the enrichment process. This is because as more clean, reliable and affordable nuclear energy is delivered, there will in-turn be a greater need for the processing of ‘tails’.
Bechtel were chosen as a result of a rigorous procurement process.
Chris Chater, Chief Technical Officer for Urenco, said:
“We’re delighted to partner with Bechtel as we look forward to expanding our TMF in the UK and positioning ourselves more widely to increase capacity in the nuclear fuel supply chain.
“Bechtel will be bringing with them years of experience in delivering complex engineering projects and this is key as we embark on the first project in our capital investment programme.
“Nuclear power alongside renewables will play an important part in the clean energy transition and we are committed to delivering for a sustainable, net zero world.”
Managing ‘tails’ is a sustainable practice in the industry, enabling low concentration uranium to be used again or converted for safe storage and disposal.
Michelle De Franca, Bechtel’s managing director of infrastructure in the UK and Ireland said:
“Urenco shares our commitment to making a valuable contribution to a sustainable net zero carbon future.
“We look forward to supporting them as they increase production of clean nuclear fuel, essential for the energy transition.”
The combination of the climate crisis and energy security concerns in the light of the Ukraine conflict has resulted in a greater demand for nuclear energy, and therefore Urenco’s enrichment services as a result.
Whilst there is no shortage of enriched fuel in the industry today, we are planning for the future as more governments put stable policy frameworks in place that are in favour of nuclear energy – and we grow our customer base.
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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