Arabian Post Staff -Dubai
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has entered into a strategic partnership with nuclear technology firm newcleo to advance nuclear energy projects in Europe and the Middle East and North Africa region. This collaboration aims to explore the deployment of Lead-cooled Fast Reactor technology, focusing on decarbonising energy-intensive industries and facilitating knowledge transfer between the entities.
As part of the agreement, ENEC is considering a direct investment in newcleo, potentially amounting to €500 million. This investment would support newcleo’s ongoing development of LFR technology, which utilises liquid lead as a coolant to enhance safety and efficiency in nuclear reactors. The partnership also encompasses co-investment plans to deploy LFR projects within the MENA region, targeting sectors that require substantial energy inputs, such as manufacturing and petrochemicals.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, highlighted the significance of this alliance: “Collaborating with newcleo aligns with our commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By integrating advanced nuclear technologies, we aim to address the growing energy demands while reducing carbon emissions in the region.”
Stefano Buono, CEO of newcleo, expressed optimism about the partnership’s potential: “Our innovative LFR technology offers a pathway to efficient and safe nuclear energy. Partnering with ENEC provides an opportunity to implement these solutions on a broader scale, accelerating the transition to clean energy.”
The LFR technology developed by newcleo is designed to operate with fast neutrons at atmospheric pressure and high temperatures, utilising liquid lead or lead-bismuth alloy as a coolant. This approach offers several advantages, including a high boiling point, beneficial neutronic properties, and non-reactivity with water and air, which collectively enhance the reactor’s safety and efficiency.
In addition to technological collaboration, the partnership aims to facilitate knowledge transfer and capacity-building initiatives. This includes hands-on training programs using research reactors and operational facilities, enabling the development of a skilled workforce proficient in advanced nuclear technologies.
This alliance exemplifies a growing trend of international cooperation in the nuclear energy sector. By combining ENEC’s regional expertise with newcleo’s technological innovations, the partnership seeks to create a model for public-private collaboration that could extend beyond their respective markets, potentially influencing global nuclear energy strategies.
