The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) to explore opportunities to collaborate and ensure best practice in the development, operation and maintenance of civil nuclear energy plants. The MoU was signed by His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC and Yu Jianfeng, Chairman of CNNC in Beijing.
The MoU provides a framework for collaboration in short and long-term fuel cycle procurement, developing best practices in operation and maintenance (O&M) of civil nuclear energy facilities, nuclear environmental protection and other areas of mutual interest – including the development of new nuclear energy plants, research and development and exploring future areas of cooperation for benchmarking and knowledge sharing.
Areas of collaboration in research and development include exploring the development of a nuclear technology centre, cooperation on IV generation reactors and hydrogen production technology and the use of nuclear energy for desalination.
The new agreement builds on previous cooperation initiatives between ENEC and CNNC, including an MOU signed in December 2023 at COP28, which outlined collaboration between the leading nuclear energy companies on new nuclear energy plants in third countries and the deployment of advanced reactor technologies. Also, at COP28, ENEC and CNNC signed an MoU to explore cooperation opportunities for the development of High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGR) to set out the pathway for HTGR technology development and the potential to deploy the technology in other countries.
ENEC has successfully developed the 5.6GW Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the largest single source of clean electricity in the Middle East. Today, Barakah Plant is generating 30TWh of electricity a year, generating more than 80% of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s clean electricity, with a further 10TWh to be added later in 2024 when the fourth unit begins commercial operations.
The Barakah Plant is just the beginning of ENEC’s wider mission and is widely regarded as a global benchmark for new nuclear projects and one of the most cost and time-efficient in the sector’s recent history. ENEC is ahead of the curve for driving the deployment of new advanced reactor technologies and engaging internationally on joint collaboration and investment opportunities.
About the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation:
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Established by decree in December 2009 by the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ENEC represents all aspects of the United Arab Emirates Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.
ENEC’s flagship Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is generating safe, clean and reliable 24/7 electricity for the United Arab Emirates, supporting the Nation’s social and economic growth and tackling climate change. As a result, the Barakah Plant is a sustainable powerhouse for the Nation, spearheading the United Arab Emirates’ Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative by leading the largest decarbonization effort in the UAE and Arab World. ENEC is exploring further opportunities through its R&D Roadmap, including advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and clean hydrogen generation, as well as in related industries, such as space exploration, agriculture and medicine.
About Nawah Energy Company:
A Joint Venture subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and partially owned by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Nawah Energy Company has been mandated to safely operate and maintain Units 1 to 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in adherence to the highest standards of quality, safety, security, and operational transparency.
Nawah is a multinational, multicultural company committed to operating excellence through its skilled nuclear energy workforce in the United Arab Emirates, with a focus on the development of UAE Nationals, and ensuring the highest levels of efficiency and standards in operating the Barakah Plant.
About Barakah One Company:
A Joint Venture subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and partially owned by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Barakah One Company is in charge of representing the financial and commercial interests of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project.
