UAE nuclear firm ENEC signs small modular reactor deal with GE Vernova Hitachi
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy to evaluate the global deployment of small modular reactor technology, building on growing demand for clean energy solutions.
The agreement, signed during the World Utilities Congress 2025 in Abu Dhabi, focuses on GE Vernova Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMR technology and follows a previous MoU signed during COP 28 in Dubai in 2023.
The partnership aims to develop a comprehensive roadmap covering site identification, licensing pathways, investment strategies and supply chain development for international SMR deployment.
"As global power demand continues to grow at pace, we look forward to advancing new solutions to meet this growth in a sustainable manner," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC's Managing Director and CEO.
Nuclear energy has become increasingly important for meeting unprecedented demand for reliable power, particularly from hyperscalers powering data centres to support artificial intelligence and technology sectors.
ENEC operates the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which generates approximately 25% of the UAE's electricity whilst preventing the release of 22.4 million tonnes of carbon annually. The company brings significant expertise in nuclear deployment, having brought each unit online in just 7.9 years.
Meanwhile, GE Vernova Hitachi has made significant progress with its BWRX-300 technology. Ontario approved deployment of the first unit at the Darlington nuclear site in Canada on, whilst Tennessee Valley Authority submitted a US construction application.
The collaboration forms part of ENEC's ADVANCE Programme, designed to accelerate evaluation of next-generation nuclear technologies.
