The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has entered into three separate agreements with China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and its subsidiaries.
The agreements were signed during a visit to China by Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC.
One of the deals, signed with the Nuclear Power Operations Research Institute, will explore potential collaboration opportunities between the two organizations in nuclear energy operations and maintenance.
The second agreement, made with China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas, will focus on cooperation in the field of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.
Read more: Construction starts on Egypt’s first nuclear plant
The third agreement, signed with the China Nuclear Energy Industry Corporation, will center on possible collaboration in the areas of nuclear fuel supply and investment.
In February, the third unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi commenced commercial operations, adding up to 4,200 megawatts of clean electricity capacity to the grid. This was the third unit to be delivered within three consecutive years.
Barakah is the first nuclear power station in the Arab world and is expected to provide approximately 25% of the UAE’s electricity requirements when fully operational.
At present, only one of the planned four units is yet to begin operations.
Currently, China has 56 operational nuclear energy plants and an additional 20 units are under construction.
To enhance their energy security and sustainability, China has recently unveiled a plan to invest $440 billion in constructing an additional 150 reactors over the next 15 years.
Last month, Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, who has been designated as the President of the COP 28 summit, visited China and praised its approach as a strong example of how a nation can continue to develop while also addressing the challenges of transitioning to green energy.
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