Today, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) disclosed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics (GA), a prominent US-based company specializing in advanced technology solutions. The collaboration aims to explore advanced technologies and materials for enhancing nuclear energy supply.
ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) have officially entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the CERAWeek conference in Houston, USA. The primary objective of this agreement is to capitalize on ENEC’s extensive expertise in nuclear construction and investments, combined with GA’s advanced non-light water reactor technologies, material manufacturing capabilities, and proficiency in 3D printing.
The collaboration entails exploring the utilization of GA-EMS’ SiGA cladding for various nuclear reactor applications, alongside the development of Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs. These efforts are geared towards enhancing both safety and affordability within the nuclear energy sector.
ENEC is committed to further expanding and fortifying the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) nuclear energy landscape. This involves assessing and considering proposals for development, investment, and partnerships across a spectrum of projects, ranging from large-scale reactors to Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and advanced reactor technologies. These endeavors are aimed at facilitating clean energy generation and fostering applications in various industrial sectors.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, the Managing Director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), highlighted the organization’s dedication to advancing clean energy solutions through international collaboration. He emphasized the significant milestone achieved with the successful development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which stands as the largest single source of clean electricity in the UAE.
Al Hammadi underscored ENEC’s strategic shift towards fostering partnerships on a global scale to drive innovation and research in the field of clean energy. The Barakah Plant, with its state-of-the-art technology and operational excellence, serves as a beacon for ushering in a new era of technological advancement and cooperation worldwide.
In alignment with global efforts to combat climate change and achieve Net Zero targets, Al Hammadi emphasized the pivotal role of the Barakah Plant in contributing to sustainable energy production. In order to find areas of shared interest and possible collaboration within the global nuclear energy business, he emphasized the significance of working with organizations such as General Atomics.
ENEC’s collaboration with General Atomics signifies a commitment to leveraging expertise and resources to drive progress in nuclear energy technology. Through joint efforts, both organizations aim to explore innovative solutions and advance research and development initiatives that will contribute to the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Al Hammadi expressed optimism about the prospects of collaboration with General Atomics and reaffirmed ENEC’s dedication to contributing to the growth and advancement of the international nuclear energy sector. In order to address the issues raised by climate change and ensure future generations have access to clean energy, he underlined the significance of teamwork and joint action.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems President Scott Forney emphasized the company’s vast experience in developing nuclear technologies. He highlighted GA-EMS’s long history of creating sophisticated fuels, its use of silicon carbide cladding to increase the longevity and safety of fuel rods, and its cutting-edge designs for Fast Modular Nuclear Reactors, which are renowned for their increased efficiency, safety, and economic advantages.
Forney expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration with ENEC, underscoring the joint effort to explore potential opportunities and harness these groundbreaking technologies. Our shared goal is to clear the path for a more secure and safe energy future.
As the first multi-unit operating nuclear plant in the Arab world, ENEC has achieved a historic milestone by successfully completing the construction and operation of all four units of the Barakah Plant. The operational teams have demonstrated remarkable efficiency by bringing one unit into commercial operation each year since 2021, showcasing steady progress and a wealth of expertise in managing large-scale megaprojects.
At the heart of the Barakah Plant’s operation are four APR-1400 pressurized water reactors, each with the capacity to generate up to 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity. These advanced reactors contribute significantly to the UAE’s energy portfolio, providing a reliable and sustainable source of power to meet the nation’s growing energy demands while reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
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