ENEC and EPRI co-host International Nuclear Power Council Meeting in Abu Dhabi to support industry advancement through R&D

31.03.22

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) co-hosted the EPRI International Nuclear Power Council Meeting in Abu Dhabi, UAE to address the impact and prospects of technical innovation on the economic performance and long-term operation of nuclear energy plants.

The event provided an opportunity for pragmatic discussions on strategic research and development (R&D) challenges related to new plant builds. The forum also focused on the nuclear operations lifecycle of current nuclear plants, deployment of new nuclear plants, and the continued growth, collaboration opportunities and evaluation of global R&D priorities for the sector.   

The event included two full days of technical sessions, where ENEC and its joint venture subsidiaries, Nawah Energy Company and Barakah One Company experts shared key insights in establishing and operating the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Ahmed Al Mazrouei, ENEC’s VP Nuclear Research and Development, said: “It has been exceptionally beneficial to bring to bring together nuclear industry experts from here in the UAE and across the world to engage in fruitful discussions that can support ERPI’s R&D efforts in decarbonizing the electricity grid in our collective fight against climate change. As we work to ensure the sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program and identify wider opportunities in the sector, it has been a pleasure to share our experience as one of the latest new build nuclear programs, and identify opportunities for R&D and innovation as party of our R&D roadmap.  .” 

The event included a site tour of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which has two Units commercially operating, providing 2,800 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity to the national grid around the clock, propelling the country ahead in meeting its sustainability goals. The Barakah Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four APR-1400 Units.

With Unit 2 commercially operating, the recent milestone has taken ENEC and its subsidiaries to the half-way mark of supplying up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, while driving significant reductions in carbon emissions - the leading cause of climate change.