ENEC and NPCIL to explore future cooperation in the development and operation of civil nuclear energy plants

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

The MoU establishes a framework for potential cooperation in various areas, including supply chain development, sharing of operational expertise, human resource development, provision of nuclear consulting services, future investment opportunities, and research and development.

This agreement marks the first MoU between the UAE and the Republic of India in the nuclear sector and represents an important step in strengthening the strategic partnership between both nations in accelerating the decarbonisation of the energy sector. The MoU was signed by Mr Bhuwan Chandra Pathak, Chairman & Managing Director of NPCIL, and H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, in New Delhi.

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, stated: "This MoU is a major step forward in our goal to triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050, while drawing on the valuable expertise of our partners in India. By leveraging NPCIL's capabilities and the strong bilateral ties between the UAE and India, we are reinforcing our commitment to advancing the development of reliable, carbon-free electricity that nuclear energy provides 24/7. With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant now supplying 25% of the UAE’s electricity, having brought its reactors online within eight years from the first concrete pour to fuel load, ENEC has gained considerable institutional knowledge and expertise in partnering, developing, and investing in new nuclear projects. We are now positioned for future growth with nations like India, which are committed to the responsible development of civil nuclear energy programmes.”

ENEC has now signed over 100 MoUs with 16 nations, as part of its objectives for knowledge sharing and collaboration with other countries utilising nuclear energy for power generation, as well as those looking to commence their own programmes in the future.