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Enec eyes small nuclear reactors in Europe

12 September 2023

Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) and Poland’s Orlen Synthos Green Energy (OSGE) have signed a preliminary agreement to look into opportunities to invest in small modular reactors (SMRs) across Europe.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) aims to provide both parties with an enabling framework for developing SMRs based on GE-Hitachi Nuclear Energy’s BWRX-300 SMR technology in Poland and the UK.

The initiative, which will also extend to Central and Eastern Europe, aims to create new clean energy capacity for meeting the growing electricity demand, Enec said in a statement.

It added: “Enec’s expertise, through building and operating the Barakah nuclear energy plant, is supporting the growth of nuclear as a source of abundant clean electricity to tackle the dual challenges of energy security and climate change.”

It is the latest move confirming Abu Dhabi’s pivot to the global nuclear energy sector.

In November last year, the UAE and US announced a plan to catalyse $100bn in financing and other support, in addition to deploying 100GW of clean energy in the US, UAE and emerging economies worldwide by 2035.

The deal covers a plan to develop nuclear projects in those countries.

In January this year, Abu Dhabi said it planned to invest $30bn in South Korea’s clean energy and defence industries. It is understood the planned investment will be allocated to South Korea’s nuclear power, defence, hydrogen and solar energy industries.

The Barakah nuclear power plant’s first three units are now operational, with the third reactor reaching commercial operation earlier this year.  

Each of the four nuclear reactors at the plant can generate 1,400MW of electricity. The entire plant is expected to deliver more than 40 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity a year once complete. Each unit has received a 60-year operating licence from the UAE nuclear regulator.

The September 2023 issue of MEED Business Review includes:

> Mena pushes for nuclear future: Decarbonisation increases the stakes for nuclear energy despite perceived risks
> Small reactors top nuclear agenda: Saudi Arabia and Jordan consider deploying small modular reactor solutions as part of their nuclear power programmes

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Jennifer Aguinaldo

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