The UAE Nuclear Energy Corporation has signed an agreement with top energy group Nuclearelectrica for bilateral cooperation in the field of nuclear energy to support the development of this critical energy source. A statement from ENEC said the objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with a favorable framework for potential cooperation in the development and expansion of nuclear energy programs in the UAE and Romania, as well as in Central and Eastern Europe.

Under the agreement, ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will jointly evaluate potential partnerships in nuclear plant operation and maintenance support, capacity building and human capital development, and research and development (R&D) synergies.

In early July 2021, ENEC and EDF signed a memorandum of understanding on nuclear energy research and development. In early October 2022, Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant was successfully integrated into the UAE power grid. The parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks for nuclear programmes, as well as exchange knowledge on project management capabilities.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, said: "Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing net-zero nuclear energy globally. As more and more countries recognize the crucial role of nuclear energy as a proven solution in promoting domestic energy security and simultaneously decarbonizing the power sector through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, as well as heavy industry , international partnerships will become more equitable and more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programs. Our nation benefits from long-term investment in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development.

He added that with the three commercially operating reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, we are producing large quantities of clean electricity 24 hours a day, sustainably powering the UAE while inspiring a new generation of climate change advocates. Meanwhile, the deal with Nuclearelectrica will allow Enec to explore opportunities to expand its global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as small modular reactors and other advanced technologies.

Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita concluded that over the past few years, the nuclear industry has demonstrated that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct result of international cooperation, participation of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators and partner entities. In early October 2022, Inspire achieved zero LTI for 5 million working hours at the Barakah nuclear power plant. The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with a tradition of high-tech research and expertise, or in countries that see the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges.Editor/XingWentao