The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with X-energy in order to collaborate on the advancement of nuclear energy technologies.
X-energy is a leading American developer of advanced small modular nuclear reactors and a fuel design engineering company. The MoU was signed at COP28 and it comes in line with ENEC’s recently announced ADVANCE Program.
The central aim of ENEC’s ADVANCE program is to harness the latest advancements in nuclear energy technologies and to strengthen the UAE’s position as a leading nation in delivering climate action by accelerating the global clean energy transition to Net Zero.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi MD & CEO – ENEC
“Nuclear energy has had a transformational impact on the UAE’s energy landscape. The clean electricity generated from Barakah is powering high-tech industries whilst preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions each year. At COP28, we are demonstrating the essential value of nuclear and building our network by signing a series of global agreements as part of the ENEC ADVANCE Program.”
ENEC and X-energy will work together to assess the technical design and commercial viability of X-energy’s nuclear technologies for the UAE market to meet the growing demand for clean electricity generation, along with generating steam, heat, and hydrogen to decarbonize industries from manufacturing to petrochemicals and other energy-intensive sectors like data centers.
The companies will also evaluate potential project partnerships for developments in the UK and Europe and will develop a regional deployment framework for ENEC-led projects in the Middle East, Africa, and the Indian subcontinent.
ENEC will work with X-energy to capitalize on the full value of the UAE’s investment in the nuclear energy sector, working closely to identify the right technology and meet the growing demand for clean electricity and molecules.
Mr. J. Clay Sell, Chief Executive Officer of X-energy, said that, “Around the world, ENEC is recognized as one of the most successful and capable nuclear project developers and operators. Our partnership will explore how we can combine X-energy’s leading technology with ENEC’s delivery expertise to address a broad range of decarbonization challenges in the region and worldwide. This announcement at COP 28 further demonstrates the incredible global opportunities and demand for nuclear in being a key driver in the expansion of clean, reliable energy.”
