The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has announced the signing of a Strategic Collaboration Agreement (SCA) with ADNOC, aimed at researching and exploring innovative energy solutions to boost energy efficiency, aligning with the UAE’s energy diversification strategy.
This agreement, WAM reported, entails a thorough technical and economic evaluation to pinpoint the most suitable nuclear reactor technologies for ADNOC, utilizing ENEC’s expertise in assessing technological performance through pilot projects, as well as future technologies in development.
Additionally, the collaboration includes a joint initiative to investigate the utilization of excess heat from the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi. This will involve conducting feasibility studies to evaluate potential uses of excess heat and providing recommendations for advanced technologies that can be showcased through existing or upcoming pilot projects.
Commitment to advancing nuclear innovations
Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Nuclear Research and Development vice president at ENEC, highlighted that the strategic partnership with ADNOC represents a crucial advancement in their ongoing dedication to fostering new technologies and promoting research and development within the UAE’s energy sector. He noted that by concentrating on leading-edge nuclear innovations and exploring novel approaches to harness excess heat for industrial applications, they are fortifying the UAE’s green economy. He emphasized that, in collaboration with ADNOC, they would combine their technical capabilities and expertise to identify and develop nuclear solutions that enhance energy security and sustainability simultaneously.
Focus on small modular reactors
Ali Al Rawahi, senior vice president for Technology and Innovation at ADNOC, indicated that their collaboration with ENEC aims to investigate the deployment of small modular nuclear reactors while developing innovative energy solutions to improve operational efficiency. He mentioned that their partnership underscores their shared commitment to scaling a reliable and clean energy source, along with advancing pioneering developments in lower-carbon energy and technological innovation.
Read more: ADNOC L&S Q3 net profit up 18 percent YoY to $175 million
Industry momentum in nuclear energy
This agreement emerges at a pivotal moment in the nuclear energy sector, as numerous energy-intensive and heavy industry players are investing in or partnering with companies specializing in small modular reactor (SMR) technology, alongside those operating large-scale gigawatt nuclear power plants or seeking license extensions. These collaborations underscore the growing recognition of nuclear energy as a reliable source of clean, baseload electricity, essential for powering continuous operations that demand a dependable, high-quality supply of electricity.
Moreover, the collaboration is in line with the UAE’s Energy Strategy 2050, which seeks to amplify the contribution of clean energy sources and enhance energy efficiency throughout the nation.
The Barakah Plant, developed by ENEC, is currently generating 40 TWh annually, which accounts for 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity requirements, significantly transforming the UAE’s energy portfolio and facilitating the timely decarbonization of the nation’s power grid.
