KEPCO and ENEC enhance cooperation in nuclear energy

The new MoU builds on the long-standing strategic partnership between the UAE and South Korea following the successful delivery of the Barakah nuclear power plant, with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) as prime contractor as part of a broader Korean consortium of companies.

The MoU was signed on 18 November, during a UAE–Korean presidential summit, by Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi and KEPCO President and CEO Dong-Cheol Kim. 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 and digital transformation, including AI-based predictive maintenance, plant optimisation tools, digital twins and machine learning to enhance safety and efficiency, supported by a joint ENEC–KEPCO AI Innovation Laboratory. ENEC and KEPCO will also identify cooperation opportunities for third-country clean energy projects, leveraging the successful Barakah model in other markets.

"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," Al Hammadi said. "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."

KEPCO said: "This MoU is significant in that it establishes a commitment between the two companies to further develop their friendly relationship through cooperation on future new nuclear power projects. It also provides new business opportunities for the nuclear power industries of both countries. Furthermore, building on the success of the Barakah nuclear power plant, it is expected to further enhance the nuclear power export competitiveness of both countries through joint advancement into the global nuclear power market."

A second MoU was signed by Mohamed Al Braiki, General Manager of ENEC Consulting and Group Chief Operating Officer of ENEC, and Sang-Hyung Park, President of KEPCO Knowledge Data Network (KDN). It focuses 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 localise 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 Gulf Cooperation Council energy organisations.

A joint working group will be formed for the two MoUs to evaluate opportunities, drive implementation, and provide recommendations supporting their objectives.

Under a USD20 billion deal announced in December 2009, four Korean-designed APR1400 reactors have been built at the Barakah site in the UAE by a consortium led by KEPCO. First concrete for Barakah 1 was poured in July 2012, while that for units 2-4 was poured in April 2013, September 2014 and July 2015, respectively. The units entered commercial operation between April 2021 and September 2024. The plant provides about 25% of the UAE's electricity needs.