UAE’s ENEC, India’s NPCIL to explore civil nuclear energy collaboration

Image: Supplied

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and India’s Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on the development and operation of civil nuclear energy programmes.

The MoU was signed in New Delhi by NPCIL chairman and MD Bhuwan Chandra Pathak and ENEC MD and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi.

This agreement marks the first nuclear cooperation initiative between the UAE and India, aiming to strengthen the strategic relationship between the two nations and promote decarbonisation of the energy sector.

ENEC-NPCIL to collaborate in many areas within the nuclear sector

Under the MoU, ENEC and NPCIL will work together in several key areas, including the exchange of operational expertise, supply chain development, human resources training, and the provision of nuclear consulting services.

The MoU also paves the way for potential future investments and joint research and development projects.

“This agreement represents a significant step toward our goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050,” said Al Hammadi.

“By leveraging NPCIL’s expertise and our strong bilateral ties with India, we are advancing the development of carbon-free, reliable electricity that nuclear energy provides 24/7. ENEC’s success with the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which now supplies 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity, underscores our ability to partner, develop, and invest in future nuclear projects globally,” he added.

ENEC has signed over 100 MoUs with 16 countries to foster knowledge sharing and collaboration with nations that already utilise nuclear energy or are looking to develop their programmes.

Read: Barakah Nuclear Plant’s Unit 4 begins commercial operations