URENCO Ltd.

10/10/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/10/2024 04:13

‘Youth powering the future’

'Youth powering the future'

10 October 2024

A variety of people from technical and non-technical backgrounds are needed for the sector to achieve the goal of tripling nuclear energy worldwide by 2050.

That was one of the key take-aways from the International Youth in Nuclear Congress (IYNC), attended by Urenco's Young Person's Network (YPN).

The congress, in Abu Dhabi, saw over 350 delegates attend and 47 countries represented in conversations concerning "Youth powering the future".

Urenco Market Intelligence Analyst, Louie Swallow, took part in a panel and addressed the role of sustainability in Urenco's strategy, and the measures we're taking to make the fuel cycle more sustainable in line with our net zero plans.

Last year at COP28, 25 member states signed up to a commitment to triple nuclear energy by 2050 to help meet net zero targets.

The sector has already embarked on a large recruitment drive, and it was recognised at the congress that people with a variety of backgrounds are needed to make the tripling a reality.

Knowledge transfer was also emphasised as a priority given that a percentage of the nuclear workforce will retire in the next 10 years, and skills and know-how should not be lost.

YPN Committee member, Julia Beunk, said: "When talking to other young people, there is a shared feeling of responsibility for the future of this sector and a promising 'we can do it' spirit.

"I hope a lot of us will stay in the sector for a long time so we can play a key part in the journey to net zero.

"Our YPN also hopes to continue to network and share best practice with other YPNs across the industry."

The congress ended with a sought-after tour to Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (part of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC).

The electricity used during the conference was sourced from Barakah.

Urenco's YPN is a group-wide support network for early-career employees, young professionals, and the much needed supporters of this talented group.

The network has an internal and external focus, looking to drive activities within Urenco, but also expanding wider to other organisations such as the Nuclear Institute's Young Generation Network in the UK.

Read more here.

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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