General Atomics and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation Explore Nuclear Energy Collaboration

General Atomics Signs Memorandum of Understanding with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation ● Scott Forney (left), President of General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems, and His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation ● Photo Credit: General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems

SAN DIEGO, March 22, 2024 (VSNewsNetwork.com) - General Atomics (GA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) to explore joint projects aimed at advancing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) nuclear energy programs. The agreement, signed during the CERAWeek Conference in Houston, TX, sets the stage for discussions on leveraging GA's technology in nuclear reactor systems, including the use of silicon carbide cladding and Fast Modular Reactor designs.

GA's Electromagnetic Systems group (GA-EMS) and ENEC will examine the application of GA-EMS’ SiGA® cladding technology in nuclear reactors. According to a company press release, this innovation promises to enhance the safety and cost-effectiveness of light water reactors and reduce maintenance downtime. It is also pivotal for the development of the Department of Energy-funded Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) and other advanced or Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that prioritize high-temperature operation for efficient electricity production.

Scott Forney, president of GA-EMS, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We look forward to working with ENEC to develop potential opportunities to fast-track the development of advanced fuels, silicon carbide cladding and new modular reactor designs to support the UAE’s innovation-driven nuclear energy initiatives. ENEC has extensive experience in developing nuclear programs and building and operating reactor systems to the highest standards of safety, quality, and security. We are committed to working with companies like ENEC, whose reputation for excellence is synergistic with ours, to deliver these revolutionary technologies to greatly enhance the safety, durability, performance, and economics of nuclear energy systems.”

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, reflected on the significance of the collaboration: "Having successfully developed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the largest single source of clean electricity in the UAE, we are now focused on building international partnerships to drive innovation and R&D in new clean energy solutions."

For more information on this collaboration, visit www.ga.com.

Source: General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems via Newswire