R&D / Enec And General Atomics Sign Agreement On Advanced Technologies And Materials For Nuclear ( www.nucnet.org )

Collaboration could include use of silicon-carbide cladding for reactors.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed an agreement with US-based nuclear technology company General Atomics (GA) to explore opportunities to cooperate on the use of advanced technologies and materials for nuclear energy supply.

Enec said in a statement that as part of the agreement Enec and GA Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will investigate the potential for collaboration, including the use of GA-EMS’ SiGA silicon-carbide cladding for nuclear reactor applications and Fast Modular Reactor (FMR) designs.

Silicon carbide cladding is intended to improve the safety and affordability of existing light-water reactors while minimising outage time, said the statement.

According to GA, its silicon-carbide cladding can withstand temperatures of 1,700°C, more than twice that sustained by metal cladding used in current reactor cores.

The innovative fuel rods are expected to be commercially deployed in the mid-2020s.The SiGa fuel cladding is to be used for the 50-MW high-temperature helium-cooled GA-EMS FMR design which is targeted for demonstration in the early 2030s and has received development support from the US government.

Enec said it is looking for ways to grow the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear energy sector drawing on its experience of deploying four South Korean APR1400 pressurised water reactor units at the Barakah nuclear power station.

The company said it is evaluating various projects, from large nuclear reactors to smaller ones, intended to generate clean energy, including electricity, heat, and hydrogen.

Enec said it is now “well positioned” to use its knowledge in building big nuclear plants and looks to expand into new ventures in the UAE and overseas “to lead the reemergence of new nuclear projects globally.”

“We look forward to working with General Atomics to identify areas of potential collaboration to drive progress within the international nuclear energy industry,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of Enec.