ENEC And Framatome Finalise Nuclear Fuel Supply Agreement For Barakah Energy Plant

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has entered into a fuel supply agreement with Framatome. This partnership will provide nuclear fuel assemblies and engineering services for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE. The deal is part of ENEC's strategy to diversify its fuel sources, ensuring a steady supply of carbon-free power across the nation.

Framatome will deliver complete nuclear fuel assemblies for Barakah, leveraging its extensive experience in nuclear fuel manufacturing. This collaboration aims to enhance ENEC's fuel supply chain resilience and flexibility, ensuring continuous excellence in nuclear power generation at the plant.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, stated, "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."

Al Hammadi emphasised their dedication to improving Barakah’s infrastructure and capabilities. He highlighted their ongoing efforts to achieve excellence in the nuclear power industry through enhanced security measures, cost-effectiveness, and innovative solutions.

Grégoire Ponchon, CEO at Framatome, expressed pride in supplying advanced fuel to ENEC. He said, "We are proud to provide our advanced fuel to ENEC, ensuring security of the supply and meeting the UAE’s clean energy goals." The contract acknowledges Framatome's cutting-edge technologies and reliable workforce.

The fabrication of these fuel assemblies will occur at Framatome’s US facility. This site holds a licence from the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) and has maintained top ratings under NRC’s Licensee Performance Review for 18 years.

Barakah: A Regional Benchmark

Barakah stands as the region’s first multi-unit nuclear energy plant and a global model for successful new-build programmes. ENEC completed the Barakah Plant—featuring four APR-1400 reactors—in just eight years. These reactors now represent the largest source of clean electricity in the region.

Framatome boasts over 40 years of experience in fabricating fuel for Combustion Engineering design reactors like Barakah. They have supplied more than 6,000 such fuel assemblies globally.

ENEC continues exploring strategic opportunities that bolster global civil nuclear sector growth while maintaining Barakah as a key component of the UAE’s energy mix. The company remains committed to supporting sustainable development through reliable clean energy solutions.

With inputs from WAM