Nuclearelectrica and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on nuclear energy co-operation. The aim is to provide both parties with an enabling framework for potential collaboration on the development and expansion of nuclear energy programmes in the UAE and Romania, as well as within Central and Eastern Europe.
ENEC Managing Director & CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi noted that an increasing number of countries were recognising the crucial role nuclear energy plays in boosting domestic energy security and decarbonising the power sector. Nuclearelectrica CEO Cosmin Ghita said the nuclear industry has proven that development, technological advancement and timely implementation are a direct consequence of international cooperation. This includes involvement at the level of governmental and non-governmental organisations, operators and partners.
ENEC and Nuclearelectrica will work to assess potential partnerships in operation and maintenance support for nuclear plants, capacity building and human capital development, as well as synergies in research & development (R&D). They will share experience in developing financing and commercial frameworks for nuclear programmes, as well as exchanging knowledge on project management capabilities.
Al Hammadi said international partnerships will become even more critical to accelerating the development of nuclear programmes. “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.” He added: “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.”
Cosmin Ghita said: “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.” He pointed out that Nuclearelectrica has strategic investment projects in progress worth an estimated €12bn including refurbishment of unit 1 at the Cernavoda NPP; construction of Cernavoda 3&4 and development of SMRs in cooperation with US-based NuScale.
Image courtesy of Virgil Popescu, Minister of Energy, Romania
