ENEC partners with General Atomics to advance nuclear technology with advanced materials

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

ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during CERA Week in Houston, United States. The agreement aims to take advantage ENEC experience in nuclear construction and investments with GA’s advanced non-light water reactors, materials production and 3D manufacturing capabilities. The collaboration includes exploring the use of GA-EMS’ SiGA® coating for nuclear reactor applications and fast modular nuclear reactor designs, improving safety and affordability. ENEC seeks to expand and enhance the UAE’s nuclear energy sector, evaluating development, investment and partnership proposals in large-scale reactors, small modular reactors (SMR) and advanced reactors for clean energy generation and industrial applications.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Director General and CEO of ENECsaying,

“Having successfully developed the Barakah nuclear power plant, the largest single source of clean electricity in the UAE, we are now focused on creating 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 global cooperation to collectively move closer to our Net Zero goals. We look forward to working with General Atomics to identify areas of potential collaboration to drive progress within the international the nuclear energy”.

Scott Forney, president of electromagnetic systems at General Atomicssaying,

“GA-EMS brings decades of experience in developing advanced fuels, silicon carbide coatings to improve the safety and durability of fuel rods, and fast modular nuclear reactor designs that offer greater efficiency, safety and economics. We are very excited to work with ENEC to explore opportunities and harness these transformative technologies to provide a more secure energy future.”

ENEC has efficiently delivered all four units of the Barakah plant, making it the first operational multi-unit nuclear plant in the Arab world. Operational teams have brought one unit into commercial operation each year since 2021, demonstrating steady progress and extensive experience in mega-project management.

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

News source: Emirates News Agency