CNNC and ENEC strengthen their cooperation in civil nuclear power

China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) sign a memorandum of understanding to explore new opportunities for collaboration in the development and operation of civil nuclear power plants.

Share:

Nucléaire civil coopération CNNC ENEC

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

CNNC (China National Nuclear Corporation) and ENEC (Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation) signed a memorandum of understanding in Beijing to strengthen their strategic cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The agreement is part of a wider bilateral partnership on civil nuclear power between China and the United Arab Emirates, signed in the presence of Presidents Xi Jinping and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The MoU provides for collaboration in a number of key areas, including short- and long-term nuclear fuel supply, sharing of best practices in the operation and maintenance of civil nuclear facilities, and environmental protection. The two companies also plan to cooperate on the development of new nuclear power plants, research and development, and to explore future areas of cooperation for benchmarking and knowledge sharing.

Focus on R&D and advanced technologies

Research and development will play an important role in this partnership. CNNC and ENEC plan to jointly explore the development of a nuclear technology center, to cooperate on Generation IV reactors and hydrogen production technologies, and on the use of nuclear energy for seawater desalination. This agreement builds on previous cooperation initiatives between the two companies. Last December, at COP28, CNNC and ENEC had already signed a memorandum of understanding concerning collaboration on new nuclear power plants in third countries and the deployment of advanced reactor technologies. On the same occasion, another agreement was signed to explore opportunities for cooperation in the development of HTGR reactors and their potential deployment in other countries.

Consolidating ties with EDF

At the same time, CNNC also signed a comprehensive nuclear power cooperation agreement with French giant EDF, at a meeting between CNNC Chairman Yu Jianfeng and EDF CEO Luc Rémont. A special agreement on the construction of advanced nuclear power plants was then initialled by representatives of both groups. This agreement aims to further strengthen Sino-French cooperation in various nuclear-related fields, in order to contribute to both countries’ carbon neutrality objectives. It also marks a new stage in EDF’s 40-year presence in the Chinese market, on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and France. Nuclear cooperation thus appears to be one of the most stable pillars of the strategic partnership between the two countries. This agreement opens a new chapter of global, multi-sector and in-depth collaboration between CNNC and EDF, with expected benefits for global nuclear governance and economic and social development in China and France.
Nuclear energy is increasingly asserting itself as a key component of the international energy transition. These cooperation agreements between major players such as CNNC, ENEC and EDF testify to the desire to pool efforts and skills to meet the challenges of deploying this low-carbon energy, while maintaining the highest standards of safety and sustainability. They also pave the way for new synergies in the development and export of advanced nuclear technologies, to help decarbonize the global economy.

Canada’s IsoEnergy will acquire Australia’s Toro Energy for AUD75mn ($49mn), creating a diversified uranium production platform with assets across Australia, Canada and the United States.
The upcoming Sizewell C nuclear power plant secures its fuel supply through agreements signed with Urenco and Framatome, marking a key step in strengthening the United Kingdom’s long-term energy stability.
The construction of Uzbekistan’s first small modular reactor (SMR) is underway, with 1.5mn m³ of earth being excavated in Jizzakh, marking a major milestone for the nuclear project led by Rosatom.
A nationwide debate on radioactive waste strategy begins on October 13 for four months. It will accompany the preparation of the next five-year roadmap regulating storage, treatment and funding policies through 2031.
Holtec International has ended its planned interim nuclear storage facility in New Mexico, citing ongoing legal hurdles and political deadlock over spent fuel management.
An international audit led by the International Atomic Energy Agency confirms that Spain has fully addressed the recommendations made in 2018 regarding its nuclear waste management programme.
EDF anticipates a 35 MW decrease in output for the Flamanville EPR between 2026 and 2031, citing a degraded performance level with no official technical explanation to date.
Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd has pushed the Bharat Small Reactors proposal deadline to 31 March 2026, aiming to expand private sector engagement in the captive nuclear energy project.
The Philippine government grants contractual advantages and priority dispatch to its first nuclear project, laying the groundwork for sustained sector development in the coming decades.
The merger between Terra Innovatum and GSR III Acquisition Corp. includes $130mn in proceeds aimed at supporting the industrial development of its SOLO™ micro-nuclear reactor.
US nuclear technology firm NANO Nuclear Energy has secured $400mn through an oversubscribed private placement, raising its cash position to approximately $600mn to accelerate development of its KRONOS MMR™ microreactors.
Global Nuclear Fuel, a GE Vernova-led alliance with Hitachi, plans the first use of its GNF4 boiling water reactor fuel in 2026, with full-scale production expected by 2030.
Arkansas has appointed Excel Services to analyse the economic, technological and logistical outlook of a new nuclear programme, with results expected within ten months.
Operator Belgoprocess has received authorisation to build a new facility to store waste generated from the ongoing decommissioning of Belgium’s nuclear reactors.
The British government has launched a consultation on the regulatory justification request for Rolls-Royce’s modular reactor, a decisive step towards its approval in the country’s nuclear market.
GVH and Samsung C&T join forces to accelerate international deployment of BWRX-300 small modular reactors, with a strong focus on Sweden and the consolidation of the nuclear supply chain.
The Swedish government aims to establish a right to compensation for operators if a political reversal leads to the early shutdown of nuclear plants, in a move to reduce investment risks.
Duke Energy adds a large nuclear reactor project to its 2025 plan for the Carolinas, anticipating electricity demand more than twice previous forecasts.
EDF has selected Arabelle Solutions to supply two complete turbine islands for the Sizewell C nuclear power plant, strengthening their industrial cooperation initiated at Hinkley Point C.
The Italian government has approved a bill granting the executive authority to regulate the return of nuclear energy, in line with European carbon neutrality and energy security targets for 2050.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25€/month*

*billed annually at 99€/year for the first year then 149,00€/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2€/month*
then 14.90€ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.