Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to expand cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies.
The goal is to support the United Arab Emirates’ and the Republic of Korea’s civil nuclear fleets and will also facilitate cooperation for potential nuclear energy projects in third countries.
The new MoU builds on the successful delivery of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, in which KEPCO was the primary contractor. It deepens existing cooperation on advanced nuclear technologies, including joint assessment of small modular reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor systems, fuel cycle innovation, radioactive waste management and nuclear safety research.
The MoU also covers AI and digital transformation, including AI-based predictive maintenance, plant optimisation tools, digital twins and machine learning to enhance safety and efficiency, supported by a joint ENEC–KEPCO AI Innovation Lab. ENEC and KEPCO will also identify cooperation opportunities for third-country clean energy projects, leveraging the successful Barakah model in other markets.
H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and group CEO of ENEC, said: “This MoU marks a positive step forward in our efforts to advance civil nuclear innovation, digital transformation and the deployment of AI solutions, further strengthening our cooperation on technologies that enhance performance and support safe, reliable and sustainable civil nuclear operations. Through this MoU with our partners in the Republic of Korea, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, developing next-generation talent and contributing to global efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition.”
