Urenco launches net‑zero heat network at Dutch enrichment plant

Urenco breaks ground on internal heat network at Almelo – The uranium enrichment firm has started building a contained thermal‑energy system that captures waste heat from cooling uranium cylinders, generates hot water and circulates it through insulated pipes to heat multiple on‑site buildings; phase 1 includes a heat grid and utility building, with full network completion later, and operation slated for 2029 to meet its 2030 net‑zero goal [1].

Project cuts natural‑gas use and trims Scope 1 emissions – By recycling residual heat, Urenco expects to reduce natural‑gas consumption at the Almelo site and lower direct fossil‑fuel combustion emissions by roughly 671 tonnes per year, supporting its climate targets [1].

New office building scores 0.7 on Dutch MPG standard – Constructed with solar panels, low‑carbon concrete and other sustainable materials, the office achieves an Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG) score of 0.7, a 30 % improvement over the legally required minimum of 1.0 for new Dutch offices [1].

Building earns BREEAM Excellent rating – Independent assessment across nine sustainability categories awarded the Almelo office an Excellent rating, the second‑highest level in the internationally recognised BREEAM certification scheme [1].

Urenco’s global enrichment footprint includes three other sites – In addition to Almelo, the company operates uranium enrichment facilities in Eunice, New Mexico (USA), Gronau (Germany) and Capenhurst (United Kingdom) [1].