The United Arab Emirates continues to strengthen its global position as a leading example in the development of a peaceful nuclear program that adheres to the highest standards of safety and transparency, while fostering effective international partnerships. This initiative comes as the world seeks reliable energy sources to help achieve climate neutrality.
Since the inception of its program, the UAE has embraced a collaborative approach and openness to international partners. This strategy has enabled strong connections with significant countries in the nuclear energy sector, including the Republic of Korea and the United States, resulting in numerous strategic collaborations.
Mohammed Al Hammadi, CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, affirmed the international status of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear program, highlighting its development of a global model in incorporating nuclear energy into its diverse energy portfolio. He emphasized that this approach is underpinned by the visionary leadership, a clear roadmap, and a commitment to high standards of safety and transparency, as well as close international cooperation.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, he indicated that the UAE has taken the lead in international cooperation and coordination, pointing out the significant efforts made in this vital field during the “COP28” conference, where over 30 nations committed to tripling their nuclear energy production capacity by 2050 to achieve climate neutrality, alongside pledges from around 120 companies and banks worldwide to contribute towards this goal.
He also highlighted the innovative model of international cooperation that the UAE and the United States have introduced, which aligns with the era’s requirements and technological achievements, such as artificial intelligence and data centers, while ensuring the security of energy from reliable and clean sources like nuclear energy. This supports the “Stargate UAE” initiative launched by a group of technology companies to spearhead the advancements in artificial intelligence from Abu Dhabi.
Furthermore, relevant Emirati organizations, particularly the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, play a crucial role in enhancing the stature of the UAE’s nuclear program through a network of strategic and technological international partnerships, facilitating knowledge transfer, experience sharing, and capacity building.
The collaboration with the Republic of Korea has been fundamental in executing the Barakah nuclear power plant project, evolving into new investment opportunities in international projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs). In terms of oversight, the nuclear regulatory authority maintains agreements with its Korean counterpart that encompass joint inspections and capacity development, along with regular meetings to monitor advancements and innovations.
With the United States, the UAE has signed a series of significant agreements, including a memorandum of understanding with Idaho National Laboratory to develop hydrogen, water, and steam production solutions for the Barakah plants. Additional agreements involve TerraPower for advanced reactor development and General Atomics for exploring the use of advanced materials in reactors. Recently, a partnership was announced with GE Vernova to explore opportunities for the global deployment of “BWRX-300” small reactor technologies.
As part of efforts to expand its strategic partnership network, the UAE and China are exploring collaborative opportunities in the development and operation of nuclear power plants in other countries. Areas of cooperation include the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants, the development of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply, and investment. The nuclear regulatory authority has strengthened its partnership with counterparts through agreements that enhance cooperation in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building.
In a move that reflects the expanding international presence of the UAE’s program, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has signed a cooperation agreement with Romania’s National Nuclear Energy Company as part of the “Investing in the Future of Clean Energy” initiative launched by the UAE and the United States during the COP28 conference. This initiative supports the establishment of a small modular reactor (SMR) in Romania, with an investment of $275 million.
Additionally, the UAE continues to reaffirm its leadership as a model for countries in the region adopting nuclear energy as a strategic option. In 2019, the UAE and Saudi Arabia signed an agreement for cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, followed by partnerships among regulatory bodies that included knowledge exchange and the development of legislative frameworks and emergency preparedness. An agreement was also reached with the Egyptian Nuclear Power Authority during COP28 to enhance cooperation in plant development and knowledge sharing.