ENEC And Framatome Achieve Milestone In Fuel Assembly Fabrication For Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Framatome have successfully fabricated the first lead fuel assemblies for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE. This milestone, achieved at Framatome's facility in Richland, USA, is part of a fuel supply agreement announced in July 2025. The agreement aims to enhance the UAE's energy security by diversifying nuclear fuel supplies.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the UAE, is a significant source of clean energy. It consists of four APR-1400 Pressurized Water Reactor units that generate 40 TWh of electricity annually. This plant provides around 25% of the UAE's electricity without emissions, preventing 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.

ENEC's collaboration with Framatome is crucial for ensuring a steady fuel supply for Barakah. Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC's Managing Director and Group CEO, stated that this partnership supports operational excellence and continuous power generation at Barakah. "Framatome’s expertise and manufacturing capabilities align perfectly with ENEC’s commitment to the highest safety and performance standards," he said.

Grégoire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome, highlighted the importance of their partnership with ENEC in achieving clean energy goals. He remarked on the successful fabrication of lead fuel assemblies as evidence of their teams' dedication and expertise. "This milestone demonstrates the strength of our partnership with ENEC and our shared commitment to supporting the UAE’s clean energy ambitions," Ponchon noted.

A comprehensive testing programme will be conducted before these assemblies are used commercially. This programme will rigorously assess their safety, compatibility, and performance under real operating conditions at Barakah. Once validated, ENEC will integrate these assemblies to ensure operational reliability and regulatory compliance.

Framatome's Richland facility has been instrumental in producing these assemblies. With over 40 years of experience in Combustion Engineering reactor fuel, this NRC-licensed facility has supplied more than 6,000 similar assemblies. It has consistently received top ratings from U.S. regulators for its performance over 18 years.

Supporting Clean Energy Ambitions

The collaboration between ENEC and Framatome underscores a shared commitment to advancing clean energy initiatives in the UAE. By strengthening Barakah’s fuel supply chain, they aim to support ongoing power generation for industries, businesses, and communities across the nation.

Framatome will also provide engineering support services from its headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia. This partnership not only enhances energy security but also aligns with global efforts towards sustainable power solutions.

This development marks a significant step forward for both companies as they continue to work together towards ensuring safe and efficient operations at the Barakah Plant.

With inputs from WAM