ENEC, newcleo to advance nuclear energy projects in Europe, MENA
ENEC and newcleo aim to provide a model for cooperation between public and private nuclear energy companies
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and newcleo have signed a memorandum of strategic cooperation to explore the deployment of newcleo’s European lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) technology for nuclear energy projects in Europe and the MENA region.
The partnership aims to leverage ENEC’s successful experience in nuclear plant development, particularly the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, and combine it with newcleo’s innovative LFR technology, which is actively progressing through licensing in Europe.
This collaboration will focus on the potential co-investment and development of nuclear energy projects, with an emphasis on decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as data centres, off-grid applications, and hydrogen production in the MENA region.
The memorandum was signed in the presence of the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, underscoring the importance of the agreement to both parties.
The collaboration will also examine the management of the full life cycle of LFR reactors and the closure of the nuclear fuel cycle for European projects.
ENEC to leveraging its expertise in nuclear development
Mohamed Al Hammadi, MD and CEO of ENEC, commented: “This agreement strengthens our business through collaboration and shared expertise. Having successfully brought the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to full operations, this partnership with newcleo presents a unique opportunity to explore cutting-edge technologies that align with our ADVANCE Program for small modular reactors (SMRs) and advanced reactors.”
He added, “This marks a significant step in ENEC’s journey to become a global partner in transformation, contributing to a sustainable future through safe and reliable nuclear energy solutions.”
Stefano Buono, founder and CEO of newcleo, expressed pride in the collaboration: “We are excited to partner with ENEC, leveraging their experience in delivering large nuclear projects like Barakah. This cooperation combines ENEC’s operational expertise with our groundbreaking technology, creating significant value. It also emphasises the role of advanced modular reactors in decarbonising the world’s energy system.”
Focus on decarbonisation and knowledge transfer
The partnership will explore various avenues for advancing LFR projects and investigate how LFR reactor technology could be utilised to decarbonise sectors in the MENA region.
Both companies will also look for opportunities to transfer knowledge and collaborate on innovative capacity-building programs, including hands-on training using research reactors and operational facilities.
ENEC and newcleo aim to provide a model for cooperation between public and private nuclear energy companies, which could potentially extend beyond their respective markets in the future.
