ENEC and General Atomics to collaborate on integrating advanced materials with nuclear technologies
26 March 2024
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with US-based General Atomics (GA) agreeing to work together to identify opportunities to collaborate on the use of advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply. They will also cooperate on prospects to use ENEC’s experience in developing new nuclear builds as well as investments in GA’s advanced non-light water reactors, material production and 3D manufacturing capabilities.
ENEC and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will explore opportunities to collaborate on several projects, including opportunities to use GA-EMS’s SiGA cladding for nuclear reactor applications and fast modular nuclear reactor designs. Silicon carbide cladding will improve the safety and affordability of existing light water reactors and minimise outage time. This material will be utilised for the US Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) design and other advanced or small modular reactors (SMRs) that use high temperature to achieve high efficiency in production of electricity.
ENEC is looking at all growth opportunities available to expand and enhance the UAE’s nuclear energy sector. ENEC is current assessing a number of development, investment and partnership proposals drawing on the knowledge, expertise and technology gained from developing the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. These include large scale reactors, SMRs and advanced reactors to generate clean electrons and molecules, such as steam, hydrogen and ammonia, as well as providing process heat for various industries.
"We are now focused on building international partnerships to drive innovation and R&D in new clean energy solutions, said ENEC Managing Director & CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi “The Barakah Plant is a catalyst for a new era of technological advancement and cooperation on a global level to collectively take us closer to our Net Zero targets.” GA-EMS President Scott Forney aid the MOU establishes a collaborative foundation to accelerate the advancement of critical nuclear technologies to support the UAE’s nuclear energy initiatives. “GA-EMS brings decades of expertise in the development of advanced fuels, silicon carbide cladding to enhance fuel rod safety and durability, and Fast Modular Nuclear Reactor designs offering greater efficiency, safety, and economics,” he noted.
Image courtesy of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
