$25B+ investment in Barakah fuels international momentum
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) continues to position Abu Dhabi as a global hub for civil nuclear innovation through strategic partnerships aimed at expanding next-generation reactors worldwide. With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant—valued at over $25 billion—now powering 25% of the UAE’s electricity, ENEC is channeling its operational expertise into global deployment models.
ENEC-Westinghouse deal targets AP1000 deployment across US grids
In July 2025, ENEC signed a landmark agreement with Westinghouse Electric Company to accelerate the deployment of the AP1000 reactor in the United States. With the U.S. aiming to quadruple nuclear output by 2050, the partnership offers a ready-to-build Gen III+ reactor solution to meet surging demand from data centers and industrial expansion. The deal encompasses new builds, restarts, and long-term fuel supply and operational support—positioning ENEC as a go-to partner for streamlined, scalable deployment.
Fuel security reinforced with Framatome supply pact
Also in July 2025, ENEC inked a nuclear fuel supply agreement with Framatome to support long-term operational security at Barakah. This move diversifies ENEC’s fuel sources and leverages Framatome’s 40+ years of experience and 6,000+ fuel assemblies fabricated for similar reactors. The fuel will be manufactured in Framatome’s NRC-licensed U.S. facility, enhancing ENEC’s supply chain resilience amid rising global energy volatility.
ENEC-GVH pact accelerates small modular reactor (SMR) roadmap
In May 2025, ENEC advanced its ADVANCE program with GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) to co-develop a deployment strategy for the BWRX-300 SMR—one of the most innovative boiling water reactor designs. The agreement builds on earlier COP28 engagement and outlines collaboration across site selection, licensing, and commercialization. With construction already underway in Canada, Abu Dhabi Nuclear energy expertise is being positioned to catalyze SMR adoption across new markets.
7.9 years: ENEC’s reactor rollout sets global benchmark
ENEC’s ability to commission all four APR-1400 units at Barakah in just 7.9 years stands as a global benchmark for nuclear project delivery. As part of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), ENEC meets US-level standards and shares best practices globally. The organization is now leveraging this experience to fuel investment, advisory, and operational partnerships abroad, helping countries integrate clean baseload electricity into growing economies.
A Sustainability Mandate With Global Weight
Barakah isn’t just about megawatts—it’s a blueprint for how Abu Dhabi and the wider UAE are operationalizing climate goals through infrastructure, not just policy. With nuclear now supplying up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity, the country has turned decarbonization into a tangible, measurable deliverable. Add in partnerships on hydrogen, SMRs, and regional grid integration, and the UAE’s energy strategy begins to look less like a domestic utility push and more like a Middle Eastern clean-tech portfolio. Sustainability here isn’t framed as sacrifice, it’s engineered as competitive edge.
Operable nuclear power capacity in the UAE
Source: https://world-nuclear.org/
Also Read: The Rise of Solar Energy Sector in Abu Dhabi
