The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has embarked on a strategic partnership with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) through a newly signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to foster collaboration and the exchange of best practices in the development, operation, and maintenance of civil nuclear energy plants.
The MoU, formalized in Beijing by Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, and Yu Jianfeng, Chairman of CNNC, outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation. Areas of collaboration include short and long-term fuel cycle procurement, operational and maintenance best practices, nuclear environmental protection, and the exploration of new nuclear energy plant developments.
Research and development efforts under this partnership encompass the potential establishment of a nuclear technology center, collaboration on IV generation reactors, hydrogen production technology, and the utilization of nuclear energy for desalination.
This initiative builds on prior collaborations, notably an MoU signed at COP28 in December 2023, which laid the groundwork for joint efforts on new nuclear energy plants and advanced reactor technologies, including High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactors (HTGR).
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, developed by ENEC, stands as the largest single source of clean electricity in the Middle East, generating 30TWh of electricity annually and meeting over 80% of Abu Dhabi Emirate’s clean electricity needs. Its capacity is set to increase by an additional 10TWh later in 2024 with the commencement of operations of its fourth unit.
ENEC’s Barakah Plant is globally recognized as a benchmark for new nuclear projects, celebrated for its cost and time efficiency. The MoU with CNNC is a part of ENEC’s broader mission to lead in advanced reactor technology deployment and to pursue international collaboration and investment opportunities.
ENEC, a subsidiary of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies, oversees all aspects of the United Arab Emirates Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.