Deal is part of UAE’s plans to diversify supplies
French nuclear company Framatome and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) have signed an agreement for the supply of nuclear fuel assemblies and engineering services for the Barakah nuclear power station in the United Arab Emirates.
Enec, the state entity established to oversee nuclear power projects in the UAE, said the agreement is a key step in its long-term strategy to diversify its fuel supply chain and ensure an uninterrupted supply of 24/7 power from the four-unit Barakah.
Under the agreement, Framatome will supply complete nuclear fuel assemblies for use at Barakah.
Framatome said the fuel assemblies will be fabricated at its fabrication facility in the US, which is licenced by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Framatome will provide engineering support services from its US headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and chief executive officer of Enec, said: “Our agreement with Framatome advances our strategy to strengthen the security and reliability of our nuclear fuel supply chain.
“Diversification is key to ensuring that we continue to deliver safe, clean, and reliable electricity – powering the sustainable growth of the UAE’s economy.”
Construction of Barakah, the first commercial nuclear power station to operate in the Arab World, began in 2012. The first of its four South Korea-supplied APR1400 plants began commercial operation in April 2021. The fourth and final unit began commercial operation in September 2024.
