WNA 2022: Urenco CEO’s rallying call for nuclear to deliver on energy security

The three Cs and the importance of sustainable fuel supplies and a net zero future were emphasised as Urenco took centre stage during the World Nuclear Association (WNA) Symposium 2022. 

Firstly, we sponsored and hosted the opening Welcome Reception in London on September 7, where hundreds of delegates gathered. 

Speeches were given by BEIS’ Director of Nuclear Power, Chris Heffer, Director General of the WNA, Sama BilBao y Leon, and our own CEO Boris Schucht.

During his speech, Boris stressed the "three Cs": that to deliver security of supply and energy independence, as well as transitioning to net zero at a pivotal time for the nuclear industry, we need Creativity, Collaboration and Commitment.

Boris urged nuclear energy leaders to be inspired by the creativity found in the very place that the Welcome Reception was hosted - the Victoria and Albert Museum.

He added: "We have to be committed. When we believe that climate change and security of supply are the most important drivers for our success, then we have to prove that by our own behaviour."

Meanwhile, our Chief Commercial Officer, Laurent Odeh, took part in a discussion on Sustaining Fuel Supplies on the main stage on September 8. 

Laurent was joined by panellists including Kathryn Huff from the US Dept of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy, and Agnieszka Kazmierczak of the Euratom Supply Agency. 

Laurent stressed the need for greater collaboration in the industry and that Urenco was looking to expand its enrichment capacity by adding centrifuge technology to meet greater customer demands. 

This would only happen, however, as long as customers gave Urenco the certainty of long term commitments whilst supported by governments with stable policy frameworks. This was already happening in some countries, he said. 

He also stressed that Urenco was looking for sustainable partners who shared corporate responsibility with regard to ESG, and that the social aspect was just as important as the environmental one.  

“Suppliers are coming along with us on this journey,” Laurent added. 

Urenco’s stand also proved popular with regular visits from delegates over the three days. 

Urenco had met with several of its global customers and nuclear fuel cycle partners and suppliers during the event. 

Before the Symposium had started, some customers toured Urenco’s facilities in the UK and the Netherlands.

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