Nuclearelectrica signs Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) to collaborate on nuclear energy program development
- E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC MD & CEO signs MoU with Cosmin Ghita, CEO of Nuclearelectrica, during Romanian state visit to the UAE
- MoU supports the commitment of both countries to strengthening long-term energy security, and innovation in the nuclear energy sector
Bucharest, March 20, 2023
Nuclearelectrica and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) have announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for bilateral cooperation within the nuclear energy sector to support the growth of this critical energy source in tackling the dual challenges of energy security and climate change.
The objective of the MoU is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programs in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe.
Nuclear energy is recognized by both the UAE and Romania as an essential clean energy resource in accelerating decarbonization of the power sector and other heavy industries, as well as wider applications including the production of clean hydrogen and other clean molecules, as well as for water desalination.
ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will work together to assess potential partnerships in operations and maintenance support of nuclear energy plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research and development (R&D). The two parties will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks of nuclear programs, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities.
His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “Our partnership with Nuclearelectrica reaffirms our commitment to advancing Net Zero nuclear globally. As more and more nations recognize the crucial role nuclear energy plays as a proven solution to boosting domestic energy security and in parallel decarbonizing the power sector, as well as heavy industry through the generation of heat, steam and clean hydrogen, international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programs. Our nation has benefited from long-term investments in nuclear energy, which supports economic diversification and sustainable development. With three commercially operational reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, we are generating abundant clean electricity 24/7, sustainably powering the UAE, whilst inspiring a new generation of climate change champions. We look forward to working with Nuclearelectrica to explore opportunities to grow the global nuclear fleet and ensure reliable and sustainable operations, in addition to sharing knowledge on advanced technologies such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and other advanced technologies.”
A powerhouse for the nation’s development, energy security and stability, the Barakah Plant generates thousands of high-value jobs and stimulates millions of dollars of value for local companies. Barakah provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today, and for the next 60 years and beyond and this will be showcased at COP28 in November, which will be held in Dubai, UAE. Barakah is already preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions – the leading cause of climate change – every year.
Cosmin Ghita, Chief Executive Officer of Nuclearelectrica, said: “Over the past years, the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation, involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organizations, operators and partner entities. The nuclear industry is a strategic resource in countries with tradition and expertise or in countries that consider the development of nuclear capabilities as a solution to various environmental or energy system challenges. Experienced operators face the same challenges and see the same opportunities and we welcome this MoU with ENEC as we are sure that the exchange of experience in key areas, together with the identification of measures and new frameworks for cooperation and development will have a direct beneficial impact on both companies.”
SN Nuclearelectrica SA has strategic investment projects in progress worth an estimated 12 billion Euro including Cernavoda Unit 1 Refurbishment, Units 3 and 4 Projects, development of small modular reactors in cooperation with NuScale, as well as support projects for current operations, such as the Tritium Removal Facility. SNN’s investment projects contribute clean energy to Romania’s energy stability, socio-economic development, the development of the nuclear industry and the training of a new generation of specialists. The completion of SN Nuclearelectrica SA’s investment projects will lead, after 2031, to the provision of approximately 33% of the consumption needs and an estimated 66% of the energy without CO2 emissions at national level, as well as the avoidance of the release into the atmosphere of approximately 24 million tons of CO2 annually.
About Nuclearelectrica
The National Company “Nuclearelectrica” SA is the national Romanian company which produces electricity, heat and nuclear fuel operating under the authority of the Romanian Ministry of Energy, with the Romanian state holding 82.49% of shares and other shareholders holding 17.50%, after the listing of the company at the stock exchange in 2013.
The NPP (CNE) Cernavoda branch operates two CANDU nuclear units, which are two of the most high-performance units among the more than 400 nuclear plants in the world, a nuclear fuel factory and is in the process of carrying out an integrated fuel cycle through the procurement of a uranium concentrate processing line, in order to support the long-term investment projects of the company.
Nuclearelectrica has a major role at national level, contributing by more than 18% of the nuclear energy in the total energy production and by 33% in the total CO2-free energy production in Romania.
About the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies with a broad portfolio of major enterprises spanning key sectors of Abu Dhabi’s diversified economy. Established by decree in December 2009 by the late His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, ENEC represents all aspects of the United Arab Emirates Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.
ENEC’s flagship Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is generating safe, clean and reliable 24/7 electricity for the United Arab Emirates, supporting the Nation’s social and economic growth and tackling climate change. As a result, the Barakah Plant is a sustainable powerhouse for the Nation, spearheading the United Arab Emirates’ Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative by leading the largest decarbonization effort in the UAE and Arab World. ENEC is exploring further opportunities through its R&D Roadmap, including advanced nuclear technologies such as Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology and clean hydrogen generation, as well as in related industries, such as space exploration, agriculture and medicine.
For more information, visit www.enec.gov.ae
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