The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has signed a strategic memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) to expand cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies, artificial intelligence (AI), and digital transformation to support the UAE's and South Korea’s civil nuclear fleets.
The MoU will also facilitate cooperation for potential nuclear energy projects in third countries.
The new MoU builds on the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and Korea, following the successful delivery of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with Kepco as Prime Contractor as part of a broader Korean consortium of companies.
The MoU was signed during the official UAE – Korean Presidential summit by Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director & Group Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, and Kim Dong Cheol, President & Chief Executive Officer of Kepco.
It deepens existing cooperation on advanced nuclear technologies, including joint assessment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), advanced reactor systems, fuel cycle innovation, radioactive waste management and nuclear safety research.
The MoU also covers artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation, including AI-based predictive maintenance, plant optimization tools, digital twins and machine learning to enhance safety and efficiency, supported by a joint ENEC–Kepco AI Innovation Lab. ENEC and KEPCO will also identify cooperation opportunities for third-country clean energy projects, leveraging the successful Barakah model in other markets.
Al Hammadi said: “This MoU marks a positive step forward in our efforts to advance civil nuclear innovation, digital transformation, and the deployment of AI solutions, further strengthening our cooperation on technologies that enhance performance and support safe, reliable and sustainable civil nuclear operations. Through this MoU with our partners in the Republic of Korea, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering knowledge exchange, developing next-generation talent and contributing to global efforts to accelerate the clean energy transition.”
A second MoU was signed during the UAE- Korean Business Forum, by Mohamed Al Braiki, General Manager of ENEC Consulting & Group Chief Operating Officer of ENEC, and Sang-Hyung Park, President of Kepco Knowledge Data Network Co., focusing on accelerating digital transformation across nuclear operations in the UAE and wider Middle East through AI-based technologies.
Cooperation includes joint research and deployment of AI and data-driven solutions, including digital twins, predictive maintenance and intelligent monitoring systems, to enhance the efficiency, safety and reliability of nuclear energy plants. ENEC Consulting and KDN will localize and implement KDN’s AI, cybersecurity and data analytics solutions across the UAE energy sector, explore a regional joint venture for AI and digital transformation services, and promote AI-based digital projects across the UAE and GCC energy organizations.
A joint working group will be formed for the two MoUs to evaluate opportunities, drive implementation, and provide recommendations supporting their objective, said a statement. - TradeArabia News Service
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