{"id":39082,"title":"UAE Nuclear Giant Sets Sights on Global Expansion as AI Drives Energy Demand","publisher":"Stockmark.IT","author":"Stockmark.IT Website","published":"2025-01-27T05:47:18+00:00","modified":"2025-01-27T05:47:18+00:00","canonical_url":"https://stockmark.it/uae-nuclear-giant-sets-sights-on-global-expansion-as-ai-drives-energy-demand/","markdown_url":"https://stockmark.it/uae-nuclear-giant-sets-sights-on-global-expansion-as-ai-drives-energy-demand.md","json_url":"https://stockmark.it/uae-nuclear-giant-sets-sights-on-global-expansion-as-ai-drives-energy-demand.json","category":"Artificial intelligence","categories":["Artificial intelligence","Energy","Infrastructure","Nuclear"],"featured_image":"https://i0.wp.com/stockmark.it/wp-content/uploads/stencil.default-83-2.jpg?fit=1200%2C800&quality=89&ssl=1","format":"news","language":"en-GB","content":"The United Arab Emirates’ state-owned nuclear company is positioning itself for a significant international expansion, with particular focus on the burgeoning US market driven by artificial intelligence energy demands.\n\nEmirates Nuclear Energy Company (Enec), established in 2009, has rapidly emerged as a formidable player in the global nuclear sector. The company’s crowning achievement lies in the successful completion of its Barakah nuclear power plant, the Arab world’s first such facility, delivered within budget and in under 12 years through collaboration with Korea Electric Power Corp.\n\nChief Executive Mohamed Al Hammadi revealed that Enec has developed robust investment and research capabilities to explore opportunities beyond its domestic market. The company’s strategic timing aligns perfectly with the surge in electricity demand, particularly from data centres supporting AI operations.\n\nNuclear power now generates approximately 25% of the UAE’s electricity, reaching up to 60% during winter months when air conditioning usage decreases. This achievement has positioned Enec as a unique player in the region, with Al Hammadi noting their distinctive status between the Middle East and Western markets.\n\nThe company’s expansion plans encompass multiple business models, including building, owning, and operating nuclear power stations, as well as providing investment and consultancy services. Enec maintains flexibility regarding project types, showing interest in reviving old reactors, large-scale developments, and small modular reactors.\n\nDiscussions regarding potential involvement in the UK’s Sizewell C project are ongoing, though Al Hammadi remained discrete about specific investment decisions. The company has also demonstrated interest in developing nuclear infrastructure in emerging markets, exemplified by recent discussions with the Philippines following a substantial £15 billion renewable energy agreement."}