Nuclear energy has helped reduce the carbon footprint of high-carbon emitting sectors, like shipping, construction, technology, and energy. This was underscored at the recently concluded Atlantic Council’s Nuclear Energy Policy Summit 2023 in New York. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), participated in the event.
Along with Al Hammadi, Dr. Sama Bilbao y Leon, director general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA); and John Wagner, laboratory director at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), were among those who participated in a session at the summit. It was moderated by Jennifer Gordon, director of the Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative at the Atlantic Council.
Barakah nuclear power plants
Al Hammadi shared ENEC’s experience and knowledge gained from developing the Barakah nuclear power plants. He said that the UAE is benefiting from the continued progress of its nuclear power program, as well as from producing carbon-free energy at Barakah’s electricity plants.
That is with the aim of accelerating research and development in harnessing other energy sources such as hydrogen, heat, and steam. This will play a fundamental role in reducing carbon emissions and supporting other countries seeking to achieve climate neutrality. Moreover, the corporation aims to contribute to accelerating global efforts to develop new and sustainable technologies for electricity production. It seeks to reduce the carbon footprint of heavy industry sectors and meet the growing demand for carbon-free energy.
ENEC also hopes to generate carbon-free energy to operate information and data centers on which the world relies heavily.
Data centers in the UAE
During his participation, Al Hammadi explained that the number of data centers increased from 800,000 in 2013 to 8 million in 2022. Meanwhile, studies believe that these centers will consume 10 percent of electricity around the world by 2030. These centers, in addition to the growing fields of artificial intelligence (AI), are increasing competition for digital customers. However, digital consumers around the world are looking for environmentally friendly electricity to power these centers.
Read: UAE: Embracing COP28 for a sustainable tomorrow
UAE and China cooperation in nuclear energy
Earlier, ENEC had concluded three separate agreements with the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and its subsidiaries. The agreements were signed when Hammadi visited China.
One of the agreements was signed with the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations. It will look into the potential cooperation opportunities in nuclear power operations and maintenance between the two institutions.
Meanwhile, the second agreement was signed with China National Nuclear Corporation Overseas. This agreement will focus on cooperation in the field of high-temperature gas-cooled reactors.
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