ENEC signs MoU with General Atomics to collaborate on integration of advanced materials with nuclear technologies
22.03.24
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with General Atomics (GA), a leading US advanced technology solutions company. The two organizations will work together to identify opportunities to collaborate on the use of advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. They will also cooperate on prospects that utilize ENEC’s experience in developing new nuclear builds as well as investments in GA’s’ advanced non-light water reactors, material production and 3D manufacturing capabilities. The MOU was signed on the sidelines of CERAWeek in Houston, USA.
As part of the MoU, ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will explore collaboration opportunities covering several projects, including opportunities to utilize GA-EMS’ SiGA® cladding for nuclear reactor applications and Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs. Silicon carbide cladding will improve the safety and affordability of existing light water reactors, as well as minimize outage time. This innovative material will be utilized for the US Department of Energy-funded Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) design and other advanced or Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that use high temperature to achieve high efficiency in production of electricity.
ENEC, the UAE’s mandated nuclear energy developer, is looking at all growth opportunities available to expand and enhance the Nation’s nuclear energy sector. ENEC is current assessing a number of development, investment and partnership proposals across large scale reactors, SMRs and advanced reactors to generate clean electrons and molecules, such as steam, hydrogen and ammonia, as well as providing process heat for various industries. Drawing upon the knowledge, expertise and technology gained from developing the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant,
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: "Having successfully developed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the largest single source of clean electricity in the UAE, we are now focused on building 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 cooperation on a global level to collectively take us closer to our Net Zero targets. We look forward to working with General Atomics to identify areas of potential collaboration to drive progress within the international nuclear energy industry.”
Scott Forney, President, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, said:“This MOU establishes a collaborative foundation to accelerate the advancement of critical nuclear technologies to support the UAE’s nuclear energy initiatives. GA-EMS brings decades of expertise in the development of advanced fuels, silicon carbide cladding to enhance fuel rod safety and durability, and Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs offering greater efficiency, safety, and economics. We are very excited to be working with ENEC to explore opportunities and leverage these transformational technologies to provide a more safe and secure energy future.”
ENEC has efficiently delivered the four units of the Barakah Plant making it the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab world. The operational teams have brought a unit into commercial operation every year since 2021, demonstrating steady progress and extensive megaproject management expertise. The Barakah Plant uses four APR-1400 pressurized water reactors capable of each producing up to 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity.
The Barakah Plant is a pioneering project that exemplifies excellence in new nuclear builds, illustrating their viability, safety, cost efficiency and successful project management, while demonstrating the importance of nuclear energy in the modern world's energy mix. Its success provides valuable lessons and a benchmark for countries considering nuclear energy to meet their power needs and environmental goals.
ENEC is now extremely well positioned to capitalize on its expertise in large-scale multi-unit nuclear plant generation as it looks to expand into new ventures in the UAE and overseas to lead the reemergence of new nuclear projects globally following the significant progress made during COP 28, when 22 nations endorsed a tripling of global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, and nuclear energy was identified for the first time as a clean energy technology in the final COP 28 text, paving the way for significant investment in and development of new nuclear programs to decarbonize power generation using proven, reliable technology.