8:10 pm - February 14, 2026
Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has finalized an agreement with Framatome to supply complete nuclear fuel packages for the Barakah plant, enhancing fuel security and operational resilience as the UAE prepares for potential expansion of its nuclear energy capacity.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has secured an agreement with Framatome to supply complete nuclear fuel packages for the Barakah nuclear power plant, marking a significant step in bolstering the operational excellence and sustainability of the UAE’s landmark clean energy project. This agreement aims to ensure the continuous, safe, and reliable production of clean electricity at the Barakah plant, which plays a crucial role in the UAE’s commitment to achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The Barakah facility comprises four APR-1400 reactors and contributes approximately 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. Framatome, a major player in the nuclear sector, will manufacture the fuel assemblies at its Richland, Washington facility and provide engineering support from its US headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, highlighted that the agreement supports the company’s strategy to strengthen the security and reliability of its nuclear fuel supply chain. He emphasised the importance of diversifying supply sources to ensure the uninterrupted operation of the Barakah plant, underpinning the UAE’s broader economic and sustainability goals.
This development fits within a wider framework of strategic partnerships aimed at safeguarding the UAE’s nuclear fuel supply. Earlier this year, ENEC signed its first commercial uranium fuel contract with Kazakhstan’s Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer. This partnership not only enhances supply security but also aligns with global recognition of nuclear energy’s role in meeting net-zero emissions targets, as underscored during COP28 discussions.
In addition to fuel supply agreements, the operational efficiency of the Barakah plant is supported through a decade-long collaboration with French utility EDF. EDF provides Nawah Energy Company—ENEC’s subsidiary responsible for operating and maintaining Barakah—with critical services in operational safety, radiation protection, fuel-cycle management, and environmental monitoring. This multilayered approach to operational support reflects the UAE’s comprehensive commitment to maintaining Barakah as a model of safe, clean nuclear energy in the region.
Looking ahead, the UAE is contemplating the construction of a second nuclear power plant to meet rising electricity demands driven by population growth and industrial expansion. The potential new plant, featuring up to four reactors, would serve to further diversify and expand the UAE’s clean energy capacity. Tendering is expected to invite international bids from countries including the US, China, and Russia, underscoring the UAE’s intent to maintain a diverse and competitive approach in its nuclear energy programme. Although the decision on this project remains pending, it is clear that the UAE leverages its nuclear energy strategy as a critical driver for economic diversification and carbon emissions reduction.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, who also serves as Chairman of the World Nuclear Association, continues to steer ENEC toward excellence in nuclear energy development, balancing rigorous technical innovation with strategic regional and global partnerships. His leadership reflects a broader vision for the UAE’s nuclear sector as a cornerstone of the country’s sustainable growth and energy security.
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Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://almarsad.co/2025/07/18/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A5%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AA-%D8%AA%D9%88%D9%82%D8%B9-%D8%B5%D9%81%D9%82%D8%A9-%D9%84%D8%B4%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%A1-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%88%D9%82%D9%88%D8%AF-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%86%D9%88%D9%88/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://world-nuclear-news.org/articles/framatome-to-supply-nuclear-fuel-to-uaes-barakah-plant – Framatome and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have signed an agreement for the supply of nuclear fuel assemblies and engineering services for the Barakah nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates. Under the agreement, Framatome will supply complete nuclear fuel assemblies for use at the Barakah plant. The fuel assemblies will be fabricated at Framatome’s manufacturing facility in Richland, Washington, USA. Framatome will also provide engineering support services from its US headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia. ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi stated that the agreement advances their strategy to strengthen the security and reliability of their nuclear fuel supply chain, ensuring the continued delivery of safe, clean, and reliable electricity to power the sustainable growth of the UAE’s economy. The Barakah plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four identical APR-1400 units. The plant provides about 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. This agreement highlights the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its nuclear fuel supply chain and enhancing operational excellence in clean energy generation.
- https://www.enec.gov.ae/news/latest-news/enec-signs-commercial-uranium-contract-with-world%E2%80%99s-largest-uranium-producer-kazakhstan%E2%80%99s-kazatomprom/ – The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the signing of its first commercial uranium fuel supply contract with Kazakhstan’s National Atomic Company (NAC) Kazatomprom JSC for the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The contract supports ENEC’s diversified procurement strategy for a sustainable supply of nuclear fuel. The agreement was signed in front of UAE and Kazakhstan officials on the sidelines of COP28, where the role of nuclear has been recognized as important for achieving Net Zero. This partnership with Kazatomprom, the world’s largest uranium producer, holding approximately 12 percent of the world’s recoverable uranium resources and producing 40% of the world’s uranium supplies, enhances ENEC’s fuel supply chain security and supports the UAE’s clean energy goals.
- https://www.enec.gov.ae/our-subsidiaries/enec-commercial/board-of-commercial-directors/his-excellency-engineer-mohamed-al-hammadi/ – Mohamed Al Hammadi is the Managing Director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). He leads ENEC and oversees its Joint Venture subsidiaries: ENEC Operations, responsible for operating and maintaining the Barakah plant, and ENEC Commercial, which manages the financial and commercial interests of the project. Al Hammadi is also the Chairman of the World Nuclear Association (WNA) since April 2024 and a board member of WANO Atlanta Center. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management from the Florida Institute of Technology, USA.
- https://www.neimagazine.com/news/edf-to-support-operation-at-barakah-6866253/ – French utility EDF has signed a ten-year agreement to support Nawah Energy in operation and maintenance of the Barakah nuclear plant in the United Arab Emirates. Under the agreement, EDF will provide Nawah with services in operational safety, radiation protection, fuel-cycle management, and environmental monitoring. The wider EDF Group, including Framatome and EDF’s other ‘legacy’ partners, will also offer expertise in the form of engineering studies, onsite support, training, and benchmarking sessions. Nawah Energy Company, a subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), is tasked with operating and maintaining the four-unit Barakah plant, which will be the first in the Arab world. Once fully operating, the Barakah plant is expected to supply up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity, saving some 12 million tonnes of carbon emissions a year.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/uae-planning-second-nuclear-power-plant-sources-say-2024-04-26/ – The United Arab Emirates plans to tender shortly for the construction of a second nuclear power plant, aiming to double its number of reactors. The new plant would contain four reactors and is part of an effort to meet projected energy demands by 2032. The tender will be open to firms from various countries, including the U.S., China, and Russia. This move may potentially create tensions with the U.S., who has strained relations with Russia and is wary of the UAE’s closer ties with China. The UAE’s current Barakah nuclear power plant, built by South Korea, provides around a quarter of the nation’s electricity. The new plant may be located near the Saudi border or closer to Barakah. The UAE asserts its nuclear program is for peaceful and energy purposes, reducing reliance on oil.
- https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/gulf-state-uae-considers-second-nuclear-power-plant-2024-07-17/ – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is actively considering constructing a second nuclear power plant to meet its increasing electricity demands, driven by population growth and an expanding industrial sector. With its first plant commencing operations in 2021, the government is exploring the potential for a new project that could involve up to four reactors. The decision has yet to be finalized, but the tender process might start within the year, attracting global bids from nations like China, Russia, and the United States. This new venture aligns with the UAE’s strategy to diversify its economy and reduce carbon emissions. The current Barakah plant, built with South Korean collaboration, has a total capacity of 5600 megawatts from four reactors. The UAE maintains that its nuclear program is for peaceful, energy purposes, relying on internationally sourced uranium to avoid weaponization concerns.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is current, with the agreement announced on 17 July 2025. No earlier versions with differing figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content is original and not recycled from other sources. The article includes updated data and is not based on a press release, which typically warrants a high freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
Direct quotes from Mohamed Al Hammadi and Grégoire Ponchon are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating original content.
Source reliability
Score:
6
Notes:
The narrative originates from Almarsad, a Libyan news outlet. While it provides original reporting, Almarsad is not widely recognised internationally, which may affect the perceived reliability. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Framatome are reputable organisations, lending credibility to the content.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about the agreement between ENEC and Framatome align with information from other reputable sources, such as World Nuclear News and Gulf Today. The narrative lacks specific factual anchors like names, institutions, and dates, which slightly reduces its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and there is no excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is current and original, with direct quotes unique to this report. While Almarsad is not widely recognised internationally, the content is corroborated by other reputable sources. The lack of specific factual anchors and the source’s limited recognition slightly reduce the overall confidence in the assessment.
