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UAE + China ink nuclear power agreement: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and the Chinese National Nuclear Energy Corporation (CNNC) have signed an MoU to develop a framework for the implementation, operation, and maintenance of civil nuclear power projects, according to a statement released on Saturday.
The details: The framework will include short and long-term fuel cycle procurement, safe practices and protection measures, and research and development (R&D) initiatives. The R&D partnerships will include co-developing a nuclear technology research center and exploring IV generation reactor technology, hydrogen technology, and nuclear-powered desalination production.
A repeat collaboration: ENEC and CNNC signed an MoU to explore co-investment and development of new international nuclear energy plants and the development and deployment of High-Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors on the sidelines of COP28 last December.
The UAE has been expanding its installed nuclear capacity: The fourth unit of ENEC’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant was connected to the national transmission grid in March to provide 1.4 GW of energy. Unit 3 was added the month prior and began commercial operations also with a capacity of 1.4 GW.
And there’s more in the pipeline: The UAE is exploring the construction of a second nuclear power plant, sources with knowledge of the matter said in April, adding that the country aims to tender and award four reactors this year — potentially within the next few months. UAE has recently held talks with the UK, among other European countries, to explore potential investments in the continent’s nuclear power infrastructure.
