The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) have signed a landmark deal to foster collaboration in the field of civil nuclear energy.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is set to enhance cooperation between the UAE and India, with the aim of supporting the development and operation of nuclear energy programmes in both countries.
The MoU lays out a framework for cooperation across various areas, including supply chain development, sharing of operational expertise, human resource development, and the provision of nuclear consulting services.
It also opens doors to future investment opportunities and joint research and development initiatives. This is the first MoU of its kind between the UAE and India in the nuclear sector, which opens a new chapter in their strategic partnership.
Both countries see this collaboration as an opportunity to accelerate decarbonisation efforts within the energy sector.
The MoU was officially signed in New Delhi by Bhuwan Chandra Pathak, Chairman and Managing Director of NPCIL, and Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC.
Al Hammadi highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “This MoU is a major step forward in our goal to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. By leveraging NPCIL’s expertise and building on the strong relationship between the UAE and India, we are advancing our shared commitment to reliable, carbon-free electricity. Nuclear energy offers 24/7 power, and the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which now provides 25% of the UAE’s electricity, serves as a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships.”
ENEC’s Barakah plant, a flagship nuclear energy project in the UAE, has rapidly progressed since its inception, with its reactors coming online just eight years after the first concrete was poured. This achievement has positioned the UAE as a global leader in nuclear energy development.
The success of the Barakah plant highlights ENEC’s capabilities in partnering with international stakeholders, developing new nuclear projects, and investing in future growth opportunities.
Last week,ENEC announced a historic milestone for the UAE with the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant entering commercial operations to mark its full delivery.
The Barakah Plant is now generating 40TWh of electricity per year, nearly the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of New Zealand, and provides up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity.
The agreement with India is part of ENEC’s broader effort to collaborate with nations around the world. To date, ENEC has signed over 100 MoUs with 16 countries, aiming to share knowledge and expertise in the use of nuclear energy for power generation.
These partnerships are critical not only for countries already using nuclear power but also for those looking to develop their own civil nuclear programmes in the future.
This latest MoU between ENEC and NPCIL reflects a growing trend of international cooperation in the energy sector, as countries look to expand their clean energy portfolios and meet global climate goals.
The plant’s production of low-carbon energy heavily contributes to the country’s efforts to cut emissions, reducing carbon output by 22.4 million tonnes annually—comparable to taking 4.6 million vehicles off the road.
Barakah is delivering substantial economic benefits alongside its environmental achievements. Despite rising energy demands, Abu Dhabi has seen its natural gas consumption for power generation drop to a 13-year low, thanks to Barakah’s major contribution to the city’s energy mix.
The four APR-1400 units at Barakah are instrumental in assisting UAE companies with their decarbonisation efforts. Currently, 85% of the clean energy certificates managed by EWEC originate from Barakah.
The certificates are used by major firms such as ADNOC, EGA, and Emirates Steel Arkan, enabling them to produce environmentally friendly products that command a premium price, thereby offering a competitive edge to businesses based in Abu Dhabi.
Meanwhile, Barakah’s construction has fostered the development of a new advanced industry in the UAE, enhancing national research in nuclear sciences and providing valuable educational and training opportunities for Emirati youth.
Over 2,000 skilled Emiratis have been involved in the plant’s development, a testament to the knowledge and expertise being cultivated. The intellectual capital is crucial for the future, as an IMF study indicates that nuclear plants contribute to a more equitable distribution of wealth across various sectors compared to other energy sources.
As nuclear energy continues to play a pivotal role in providing sustainable, carbon-free electricity, the partnership between the UAE and India is expected to advance the global transition to a greener and more secure energy future.
