The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) have established a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in Seoul with the aim of identifying international opportunities in the nuclear energy sector, in light of the increasing global demand for clean and sustainable electricity.
This agreement reinforces the enduring partnership between the UAE and Korea in nuclear energy and is designed to promote the deployment of civil nuclear solutions in accordance with forecasts from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), both of which predict significant growth in global nuclear capacity by 2030 and 2050.
The MoU provides a framework for sharing knowledge, assessing joint projects, and evaluating strategic investments. Additionally, it will establish a joint working group to pinpoint areas of shared interest.
This initiative is in line with ENEC’s global strategy to collaborate with international organizations to expedite the adoption of both large-scale and advanced nuclear technologies.
ENEC’s Commitment to Global Cooperation
With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant now fully operational, ENEC is concentrating on international partnerships and advisory roles to accelerate the deployment of nuclear energy. “Our MOUs with firms like Hyundai E&C exemplify this direction,” the company noted.
Hyundai E&C, which plays a leading role in the Barakah Plant project, is acknowledged for its significant contributions to the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, which is often regarded as a model for safe and effective nuclear development.
The company intends to utilize its experiences from the Barakah project to enhance strategic collaboration on future international initiatives.
This partnership occurs during a period of revitalized investment in nuclear energy, driven by escalating electricity demands from sectors such as artificial intelligence, large-scale data centers, and heavy industries. As global power networks face mounting pressure, nuclear energy is increasingly viewed as a reliable, low-carbon solution for stable power generation.
According to the IEA, nuclear capacity needs to grow by an average of 15 GW annually to 2030, which translates to just over a 3% increase each year. Meanwhile, the IAEA proposes even more aggressive growth, suggesting that capacity could double by 2050.
This MoU adds to the expanding portfolio of international collaborations that ENEC has established with operators, developers, and energy firms to promote civil nuclear energy, enhance energy security, and lower carbon emissions. The Barakah Plant has provided ENEC with practical experience in efficient and timely nuclear deployment, now serving as a foundation for global cooperation.
Hyundai E&C has gained international acclaim for its contributions to the Barakah project, particularly in risk management and execution of construction.
As the collaboration between the UAE and Korea in energy strengthens, both entities anticipate expanding their strategic involvement in the global nuclear arena.
New MoU with Samsung
In related news, ENEC has also signed a MoU with Samsung C&T Corporation to explore joint ventures in the development and investment of civil nuclear energy worldwide. This agreement merges ENEC’s expertise in nuclear energy with Samsung C&T’s engineering and infrastructure strengths to facilitate the worldwide deployment of clean, reliable electricity.
The MoU outlines collaborative efforts in various areas, including investments in conventional nuclear projects such as new constructions, restarts, and brownfield mergers and acquisitions in the United States; future implementation of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in the UAE, US, and other markets; nuclear-powered hydrogen production in South Korea and beyond; and collaborative evaluation of a nuclear power plant project in Romania.
According to ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi, this agreement builds upon ENEC’s history of delivering nuclear projects safely, punctually, and to the highest standards.
Samsung C&T CEO Oh Sechul expressed that this partnership merges the capabilities of both companies in nuclear and SMR sectors, fostering synergies and supporting a stable, clean energy supply.
The agreement underpins ENEC’s international ADVANCE initiative and aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, positioning ENEC as a crucial player in advancing new nuclear deployments globally.
As the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant continues to produce 40 TWh of clean electricity annually, accounting for 25% of the UAE’s energy needs, ENEC remains dedicated to expanding its influence through global partnerships, enhancing energy security, promoting decarbonization, and encouraging sustainable growth.