ENEC Partners with General Atomics to Advance Nuclear Technology with Advanced Materials

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply.

ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during CERAWeek in Houston, USA. The agreement aims to leverage ENEC's expertise in nuclear builds and investments with GA's advanced non-light water reactors, material production, and 3D manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration includes exploring the use of GA-EMS' SiGA® cladding for nuclear reactor applications and Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs, enhancing safety and affordability. ENEC seeks to expand and enhance the UAE's nuclear energy sector, evaluating development, investment, and partnership proposals across large-scale reactors, Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and advanced reactors for clean energy generation and industrial applications.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, said,

"Having successfully developed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the largest single source of clean electricity in the UAE, we are now focused on building international partnerships to drive innovation and R&D in new clean energy solutions. The Barakah Plant is a catalyst for a new era of technological advancement and cooperation on a global level to collectively take us closer to our Net Zero targets. We look forward to working with General Atomics to identify areas of potential collaboration to drive progress within the international nuclear energy industry."

Scott Forney, President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, said,

"GA-EMS brings decades of expertise in developing advanced fuels, silicon carbide cladding to enhance fuel rod safety and durability, and Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs offering greater efficiency, safety, and economics. We are very excited to be working with ENEC to explore opportunities and leverage these transformational technologies to provide a more safe and secure energy future."

ENEC has efficiently delivered the four units of the Barakah Plant, making it the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab world. The operational teams have brought a unit into commercial operation every year since 2021, demonstrating steady progress and extensive megaproject management expertise.

The Barakah Plant uses four APR-1400 pressurised water reactors capable of each producing up to 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity.

News Source: Emirates News Agency