The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Hyundai Engineering & Construction (Hyundai E&C) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (dMoU) in Seoul, Republic of Korea, marking a significant step forward in international nuclear cooperation. This new agreement aims to explore global nuclear energy opportunities through joint initiatives, aligning with both the UAE’s and Korea’s shared vision of advancing peaceful nuclear energy development. The collaboration builds on a longstanding and successful partnership between the two nations in the nuclear sector. It supports mutual efforts toward the safe and efficient expansion of nuclear power, in line with projections by the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which foresee a substantial global scale-up of nuclear capacity by 2030 and 2050.
A Framework for Global Expansion and Technological Advancement
Under the terms of the MoU, ENEC and Hyundai E&C have committed to:
- Knowledge sharing in
nuclear technologies and project execution. - Collaborative evaluation of participation in international nuclear energy projects.
- Assessment of strategic investment opportunities in nuclear ventures around the world.
- Formation of a joint working group to identify areas of mutual interest and support the development of future nuclear energy initiatives.
This agreement is part of ENEC’s broader strategic direction as it enters a new phase of global engagement. With the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE now fully operational, ENEC is actively looking to invest in and collaborate on large-scale nuclear reactors and new nuclear technologies both domestically and internationally. ENEC emphasized its commitment to “working with all responsible nations looking to deploy new nuclear or expand their existing fleets,” adding that “MOUs with companies such as Hyundai E&C are a clear demonstration of this approach.”
Barakah Plant: A Model for Global Nuclear Development
The MoU is also a continuation of the strong working relationship between ENEC and Hyundai E&C, the lead contractor in the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, a flagship achievement in the UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. Hyundai E&C, established in 1947, is one of South Korea’s leading construction firms with expertise in civil, plant, and nuclear power projects. The company is now recognized globally for its expertise in nuclear infrastructure, and the Barakah project stands as a benchmark for safe, efficient nuclear development. The Barakah project involved the construction of four APR-1400 nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 1,400MW, located west of Abu Dhabi. The USD 20 billion contract was awarded in December 2009 to a consortium led by Hyundai E&C, Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, after intense competition from consortia in France, the United States, and Japan. Construction of the first unit began on the afternoon of 18 July 2012, and the plant became operational in 2020. Spanning an area 8 kilometers long and 1.8 kilometers wide, roughly four times the size of Yeouido in Seoul, the site showcases impressive engineering. Each reactor building, crowned with an 80-meter dome reminiscent of Islamic architecture, reaches the height of a 30-story building. Hyundai E&C’s successful delivery of the project, on time and on budget, drew praise from the global nuclear industry for its project execution, risk management, and construction expertise.
About ENEC
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) was established in December 2009 by a decree from UAE President Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. ENEC is the national entity responsible for the deployment and ownership of nuclear energy plants across the UAE. Its founding purpose is to meet the country’s growing electricity demand while diversifying energy sources and ensuring long-term energy security.