UAE’s ENEC To Join Hands with Nuclearelectrica

Collaboration On The Development And Expansion Of Nuclear Energy Programmes 

Nuclear energy is recognised by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating the decarbonization of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as having wider applications, including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination.

ENEC and Nuclear Electrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in the operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D). The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks for nuclear programmes as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities, according to the report.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said, "Our partnership with Nuclear Electrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing net-zero nuclear energy globally. As more countries recognise the critical role nuclear energy plays in boosting domestic energy security while simultaneously decarbonizing the power sector and heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam, and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more important in accelerating the development of nuclear programmes."

"Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which support economic diversification and sustainable development. With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions. We look forward to working with Nuclearelectrica to explore opportunities to grow the global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies."

According to the report, the Barakah Plant is a powerhouse for the nation's development, energy security, and stability, generating thousands of high-wage jobs and stimulating millions of dollars in value for local businesses.

It added that Barakah provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today and for the next 60 years and beyond, and this will be showcased at COP28 in November, which will be held in Dubai, UAE.

Barakah is already preventing millions of tonnes of carbon emissions—the leading cause of climate change—every year and  freeing up billions of dollars of natural gas annually that would have otherwise been used for electricity generation.

Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer of Nuclearelectrica, said, "Over the past years, the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement, and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation and involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators, and partner entities."

"The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with tradition and expertise or in countries that consider the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges. Experienced operators face the same challenges and see the same opportunities, and we welcome this MoU with ENEC as we are sure that the exchange of experience in key areas, together with the identification of measures and new frameworks for cooperation and development, will have a direct beneficial impact on both companies."

According to the report, SN Nuclearelectrica SA has strategic investment projects in progress worth an estimated 12 billion euros, including Cernavoda Unit 1 Refurbishment, Units 3 and 4 Projects, the development of small modular reactors in cooperation with NuScale, as well as support projects for current operations, such as the Tritium Removal Facility.

SNN’s investment projects contribute clean energy to Romania’s energy stability, socio-economic development, the development of the nuclear industry, and the training of a new generation of specialists.

The completion of SN Nuclearelectrica SA’s investment projects will lead, after 2031, to the provision of approximately 33 percent of the consumption needs and an estimated 66 percent of the energy without CO2 emissions at the national level, as well as the avoidance of the release into the atmosphere of approximately 24 million tonnes of CO2 annually, concluded the report.