Feb 23, 2026
Urenco implements a cutting-edge heat network at its Dutch facility.
Uranium enrichment services provider Urenco has initiated a new net-zero project at its Almelo facility in the Netherlands aimed at recycling waste heat from the enrichment process.
The company plans to develop an internal heat network that will create a thermal energy distribution system, utilizing residual heat from cooling its uranium cylinders. This will generate hot water that will be circulated through insulated piping to heat multiple buildings on the site.
The project's initial phase will involve constructing a heat grid and utility building, with further infrastructure to connect the network across the site to be completed later.
Urenco stated that this project will significantly decrease its natural gas usage in Almelo and cut Scope 1 emissions—resulting from the direct burning of fossil fuels—by approximately 671 tonnes annually.
The network is projected to become operational by 2029 and aligns with Urenco's goal of achieving net-zero status by 2030.
Additionally, Urenco has focused on environmentally friendly material choices for a new office building at the Almelo site to enhance sustainability. Following Dutch regulations on the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG), the structure was assigned a score reflecting its environmental impact per square meter annually. The incorporation of solar panels, low-carbon concrete, and other sustainable materials led to an MPG score of 0.7, surpassing the required score of 1.0 for new office buildings in the Netherlands by 30%.
Moreover, the building has received BREEAM certification, indicating that its sustainability has been evaluated across nine categories. It achieved an Excellent rating, the second-highest level within the globally recognized BREEAM system.
"These initiatives position the new Almelo office building as a prominent example of sustainable office design, showcasing how careful planning, material selection, and construction methods can greatly minimize environmental impact," Urenco stated.
In addition to the Almelo facility, Urenco operates enrichment plants in Eunice, New Mexico, in the USA, Gronau in Germany, and Capenhurst in the UK.
The company plans to develop an internal heat network that will create a thermal energy distribution system, utilizing residual heat from cooling its uranium cylinders. This will generate hot water that will be circulated through insulated piping to heat multiple buildings on the site.
The project's initial phase will involve constructing a heat grid and utility building, with further infrastructure to connect the network across the site to be completed later.
Urenco stated that this project will significantly decrease its natural gas usage in Almelo and cut Scope 1 emissions—resulting from the direct burning of fossil fuels—by approximately 671 tonnes annually.
The network is projected to become operational by 2029 and aligns with Urenco's goal of achieving net-zero status by 2030.
Additionally, Urenco has focused on environmentally friendly material choices for a new office building at the Almelo site to enhance sustainability. Following Dutch regulations on the Environmental Performance of Buildings (MPG), the structure was assigned a score reflecting its environmental impact per square meter annually. The incorporation of solar panels, low-carbon concrete, and other sustainable materials led to an MPG score of 0.7, surpassing the required score of 1.0 for new office buildings in the Netherlands by 30%.
Moreover, the building has received BREEAM certification, indicating that its sustainability has been evaluated across nine categories. It achieved an Excellent rating, the second-highest level within the globally recognized BREEAM system.
"These initiatives position the new Almelo office building as a prominent example of sustainable office design, showcasing how careful planning, material selection, and construction methods can greatly minimize environmental impact," Urenco stated.
In addition to the Almelo facility, Urenco operates enrichment plants in Eunice, New Mexico, in the USA, Gronau in Germany, and Capenhurst in the UK.