Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Framatome have announced the production of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. The complete nuclear fuel packages will be supplied for testing at the plant.
On this occasion, Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, stated that this partnership is a fundamental part of the company's comprehensive strategy to ensure the flexibility and sustainability of nuclear fuel supplies for the Barakah plants, as Framatome's expertise and manufacturing capabilities align with ENEC's commitment to applying the highest standards of safety and performance.
Al Hammadi added: "By enhancing the fuel supply chain for the Barakah plants, we continue to support our operational excellence and ensure our ability to produce stable, clean, and safe energy around the clock, to supply the UAE's leading industrial and economic sectors and local communities."
Meanwhile, Gregoire Pouyanné, CEO of Framatome, said that the success in manufacturing the first nuclear fuel assemblies is a testament to the dedication and expertise of the work teams, and confirms Framatome's role as a trusted partner in the global nuclear energy sector, looking forward to continuing cooperation with ENEC to ensure the operation of the Barakah plants with the highest standards of safety and efficiency.
A comprehensive testing program will be implemented before commercial use, as part of the fuel qualification program followed by ENEC. This program aims to conduct precise evaluation and verification of safety, compatibility, and performance levels for the new fuel design under actual operating conditions at the Barakah nuclear power plants.
After completing the testing and verification phases, the company will proceed to integrate these assemblies into operational processes, enhancing operational reliability and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Notably, the production of the nuclear fuel assemblies took place at Framatome's facility in Richland, licensed by the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission, which has received the highest performance rating from the US regulatory body for 18 consecutive years.
This facility is based on over 40 years of experience in nuclear reactor fuel manufacturing, having supplied more than 6,000 such assemblies. Additionally, Framatome will provide engineering support services from its headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia, USA.
ENEC and Framatome announced the manufacturing of the first nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant at the company's facility in Richland, American city. This achievement marks a key step in implementing the nuclear fuel supply agreement signed by the two companies in July of this year, which aims to enhance the UAE's energy security by diversifying sources of nuclear fuel supply. The fuel assemblies were manufactured at Framatome's advanced facility in Richland, USA, leveraging decades-long expertise and in accordance with the highest standards of quality and safety.
