ENEC And GE Vernova Hitachi Forge Partnership To Evaluate BWRX-300 SMR Technology Deployment

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy (GVH) have entered into an agreement to explore the global deployment of the BWRX-300 Small Modular Reactor (SMR) technology. This collaboration was formalised at the World Utilities Congress in Abu Dhabi. The partnership builds on a previous agreement made during COP28 UAE, focusing on ENEC’s ADVANCE programme for advanced nuclear technology.

ENEC, which operates the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi, has successfully integrated civil nuclear energy into the UAE's power grid. This achievement aligns with international safety and quality standards. Currently, nuclear energy supplies 25% of the UAE's electricity, with each unit of the plant connected to the grid within 7.9 years.

Nuclear energy is increasingly seen as a vital solution to meet growing demands for reliable and sustainable power. This demand comes from diverse sectors, including those needing power for data centres supporting AI and technology growth. The agreement between ENEC and GVH aims to address these needs by developing a roadmap that includes site identification, licensing pathways, investment strategies, and supply chain development.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, expressed enthusiasm about advancing cooperation with GE Vernova Hitachi. He stated that this partnership would help accelerate new advanced nuclear reactor technologies both in the UAE and globally. "This agreement will bring together our complementary expertise to identify a clear roadmap for deployment," he said.

Maví Zingoni, CEO of GE Vernova’s Power segment, highlighted the importance of small modular reactors in ensuring energy security. She noted that collaborating with ENEC strengthens ties with the UAE as it seeks to lead in nuclear innovation. "Small modular reactors have an essential role to play in an energy secure future," she remarked.

GE Vernova’s Nuclear Power business is renowned for its advanced reactor designs and services through its alliance with Hitachi. Their technologies include boiling water reactors like the BWRX-300, known for its simplicity and innovation. Recently, Ontario approved deploying the first BWRX-300 at Darlington nuclear site in Canada.

Strategic Collaboration for Future Deployment

The teams from ENEC and GE Vernova Hitachi will collaborate to develop a comprehensive plan for deploying the BWRX-300 SMR technology. This initiative is part of ENEC’s ADVANCE Program aimed at evaluating next-generation nuclear technologies. Beyond Barakah, ENEC is keen on identifying opportunities for investment and collaboration both locally and internationally.

This strategic partnership underscores a shared commitment to enhancing energy security through clean baseload electricity. As global power demand rises, such collaborations are crucial for delivering sustainable solutions efficiently.

With inputs from WAM