Saskatchewan organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company to collaborate on the development of a nuclear energy program in the United Arab Emirates.
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The agreement, signed Jan. 16, involves the Saskatchewan Research Council and the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society Inc., and focuses on evaluating technologies such as small modular reactors and microreactors, as well as improving nuclear plant efficiency and reliability.
The partnership will also include work in waste management, technology transfer, the use of artificial intelligence and robotics in nuclear energy, and capacity building and knowledge exchange.
Trade and Export Development Minister Warren Kaeding said Saskatchewan’s uranium resources and expertise position the province as a strong partner in nuclear innovation.
“With our vast uranium deposits, skilled workforce, and cluster of experts, Saskatchewan is the best region in the world to partner with on nuclear innovation,” Kaeding said in a statement, adding the UAE shares similar energy transition goals.
ENEC managing director and group chief executive officer Mohamed Al Hammadi said global electricity demand is increasing, driven by artificial intelligence, data centres and energy-intensive industries.
“Our collaboration with SRC and GIEMS aligns with ENEC’s strategy to responsibly expand civil nuclear energy worldwide,” Al Hammadi said, calling the partnership a way to deliver secure and reliable energy solutions.
ENEC has more than 20 years of experience in nuclear energy and employs more than 3,000 people from 50 countries.
GIEMS, established at COP28 in Dubai, connects Saskatchewan’s post-secondary institutions with international energy initiatives. Executive director Tom Kishchuk said the agreement links research and training institutions in the province with ENEC’s nuclear innovation priorities.
“This MOU establishes a framework that supports shared learning, knowledge transfer and capacity building,” Kishchuk said.
SRC president and CEO Mike Crabtree said the organization brings decades of applied nuclear research experience to the partnership, including nearly 40 years operating the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor.
The memorandum of understanding is valid for three years, with an option for renewal.
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