The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed a MoU with General Atomics, a leading US advanced technology solutions company to collaborate on using advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply.

 

The duo will also co-operate on prospects that utilise Enec's experience in developing new nuclear builds and investments in GA's advanced non-light water reactors, material production and 3D manufacturing capabilities. 

 

As per the deal signed on the sidelines of CERAWeek in Houston, Enec and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will explore collaboration opportunities covering several projects, including opportunities to utilise 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 and minimise outage time.

 

This innovative material will be utilised for the US Department of Energy-funded Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) design and other advanced or Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that use high temperatures to achieve high efficiency in electricity production, it stated.

 

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.

 

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO 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."

 

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 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," he stated.

 

Enec is currently assessing several 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, and provide process heat for various industries, he added.

 

Scott Forney, the President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, said: "GA-EMS brings decades of expertise in developing 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," he added.-TradeArabia News Service