Abu dhabi: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Framatome have signed a crucial agreement for the supply of nuclear fuel assemblies and engineering services to the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE. This agreement marks a significant step in ENEC's strategy to diversify its fuel supply chain, enhancing energy security by ensuring an uninterrupted supply of carbon-free power from the Barakah Plant to businesses, industries, and homes across the UAE.
According to Emirates News Agency, the agreement will see Framatome supply complete nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah Plant. Framatome, with its extensive experience in nuclear fuel manufacturing, is expected to strengthen the resilience and flexibility of ENEC's fuel supply chain, ensuring the plant's continued excellence in nuclear power generation.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, emphasized the importance of the agreement in advancing their strategy to enhance the security and reliability of their nuclear fuel supply chain. He highlighted the role of diversification in delivering safe, clean, and reliable electricity, which is crucial for the sustainable growth of the UAE's economy. Al Hammadi also reaffirmed ENEC's commitment to advancing Barakah's infrastructure and capabilities, striving for excellence in the nuclear power industry.
Gr©goire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome, expressed pride in providing advanced fuel to ENEC, which aligns with the UAE's clean energy goals. He noted that the contract recognizes Framatome's state-of-the-art technologies and the reliability of its workforce. The fuel assemblies will be fabricated at Framatome's US facility, which has received the highest rating from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission for 18 consecutive years.
Framatome's extensive experience includes over 40 years of fabricating fuel for reactors like Barakah, having supplied more than 6,000 fuel assemblies of that type. Barakah remains the region's first multi-unit nuclear energy plant and a global benchmark for successful nuclear new-build programs. ENEC has delivered the Barakah Plant, comprising four APR-1400 reactors, which are now the region's largest source of clean electricity, in just eight years. The company continues to explore strategic opportunities to support the growth of the global civil nuclear sector while maintaining Barakah as a cornerstone of the UAE's energy mix.