The United Arab Emirates is continuing to strengthen its global standing as a leading model in the development of a peaceful nuclear program, adhering to the highest standards of safety and transparency while fostering effective international partnerships. This comes at a time when the world is increasingly focusing on reliable energy sources that contribute to achieving climate neutrality.
Since the inception of its program, the UAE has embraced a collaborative approach with international partners, which has facilitated connections with key countries in the nuclear energy sector, starting from the Republic of Korea and extending to the United States, with which the UAE has formed several significant partnerships.
Mohammed Alhamadi, the managing director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, emphasized the international significance of the peaceful nuclear program, noting its development into a global model as the UAE integrates nuclear energy into its diverse and distinguished energy portfolio. He clarified that this approach is rooted in the wise leadership’s vision, a clear roadmap, and a commitment to the highest standards of safety and transparency, alongside close international cooperation.
In a statement to the Emirates News Agency, Alhamadi pointed out that the UAE is a pioneer in international cooperation and coordination, highlighting the substantial efforts made in this vital area. At the COP28 conference, over 30 countries committed to tripling their nuclear energy production capacity by 2050 to achieve climate neutrality, with around 120 companies and banks worldwide also pledging to work towards this goal.
He noted the new model of international cooperation introduced by the UAE and the United States, which addresses contemporary demands and incorporates remarkable technological advancements, including artificial intelligence and data centers, ensuring energy security through reliable and clean sources like nuclear energy. This supports the “Stargate UAE” initiative launched by a group of technology companies to lead a global AI renaissance from Abu Dhabi.
Relevant Emirati authorities, primarily the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, play a crucial role in enhancing the status of the UAE’s nuclear program through a network of strategic and technical international partnerships that facilitate knowledge transfer, experience exchange, and competency development.
The collaboration with the Republic of Korea has been foundational in implementing the Barakah nuclear power plant project, evolving into new investment opportunities in international projects, including small modular reactors (SMRs). Regulatory cooperation has been established through agreements with the Korean counterpart covering joint inspections and capability development, alongside 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 the Idaho National Laboratory to develop solutions for producing hydrogen, water, and steam at the Barakah plants, along with an agreement with TerraPower to advance reactor development, and a memorandum with General Atomics to explore using advanced materials in reactors. Recently, a partnership was announced with General Electric Vernova to investigate opportunities for the global deployment of small modular reactor technologies (BWRX-300).
In expanding its network of strategic partnerships, the UAE and China continue to explore avenues for cooperation in the development and operation of nuclear power plants in other countries, encompassing areas such as operating and maintaining nuclear power plants, developing high-temperature gas-cooled reactors, nuclear fuel supply, and investment. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation has strengthened its partnerships with counterparts through agreements that enhance collaboration in nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation, and capacity building.
In a move that reflects the expanding international presence of the Emirati program, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation signed a cooperation agreement with the National Nuclear Energy Company of Romania under the initiative “Investing in a Clean Energy Future,” launched by the UAE and the United States during the COP28 conference, to support the construction of a small modular reactor (SMR) in Romania with an investment of $275 million.
The UAE continues to assert its leadership as a model for countries in the region that are looking to adopt 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 between regulatory bodies that included exchanging expertise and developing legislative frameworks and emergency preparedness. Additionally, an agreement with the Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority was signed during COP28 to enhance cooperation in plant development and knowledge exchange.