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Energy

This agreement represents a major step in ENEC’s long-term strategy. (Image source: ENEC)

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has signed a new fuel supply agreement with Framatome for the provision of nuclear fuel assemblies and engineering services for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates.

This agreement represents a major step in ENEC’s long-term strategy to diversify its nuclear fuel supply chain. It aims to reinforce the UAE’s energy security by maintaining a continuous supply of carbon-free electricity to businesses, industries, and households across the country.

Under the terms of the agreement, Framatome will provide fully fabricated nuclear fuel assemblies for the Barakah plant. With decades of expertise in nuclear fuel manufacturing, Framatome is seen as a strategic partner in supporting the resilience and flexibility of ENEC’s fuel supply operations, ensuring reliable performance and safety for the Barakah reactors.

The fuel assemblies will be manufactured at Framatome’s fabrication facility in the United States, which is licensed by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). The facility has consistently earned the highest rating from the NRC’s Licensee Performance Review (LPR) for the past 18 years. Framatome also brings over four decades of experience in producing fuel for Combustion Engineering reactor designs like those used at Barakah and has supplied more than 6,000 such assemblies.

Supporting regional growth

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is the first multi-unit nuclear facility in the region and a global example of a successful nuclear new-build programme. Developed by ENEC, the plant consists of four APR-1400 reactors and stands as the region’s largest clean electricity source. As ENEC looks ahead, it continues to explore strategic partnerships that support the growth of the international civil nuclear sector and ensure Barakah remains central to the UAE’s clean energy ambitions.

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and CEO of ENEC, said, “Our agreement with Framatome advances our strategy to strengthen the security and reliability of our nuclear fuel supply chain. Diversification is key to ensuring that we continue to deliver safe, clean, and reliable electricity—powering the sustainable growth of the UAE’s economy. Framatome’s expertise and commitment to international standards adds depth to our operations and reinforces Barakah as a global model for operational excellence in clean energy generation.

“We remain dedicated to advancing Barakah’s infrastructure and capabilities, continually striving for excellence in the nuclear power industry. ENEC continues to build on its existing operations through enhanced security, competitive costs, and innovative fuel solutions.”

“We are proud to provide our advanced fuel to ENEC, ensuring security of the supply and meeting the UAE’s clean energy goals,” said Grégoire Ponchon, CEO at Framatome. “The contract recognises our state-of-the-art technologies and the reliability of our workforce to provide exceptional services to our customers.”

Also read: Nuclear renaissance: UAE leads the way in clean energy transformation

Masdar and Iberdrola expand offshore wind portfolio in Europe. (Image source: Masdar)

Masdar and Iberdrola have achieved two major milestones as part of their US$16.35bn strategic clean energy alliance: a US$5.67bn co-investment in the UK’s East Anglia THREE offshore wind farm and the full energisation of their 476MW Baltic Eagle project in Germany.

The East Anglia THREE project marks one of the largest offshore wind transactions of the decade, with Masdar and Iberdrola each holding a 50% stake and shared governance. Located off the Suffolk coast, the 1.4GW wind farm is expected to begin operations in Q4 2026, providing clean electricity to 1.3 million homes.

A US$5.25bn project finance facility has been secured from 24 international banks, oversubscribed by 40%, highlighting strong investor confidence. The project benefits from a 15-year Contract for Difference (CfD) and a Power Purchase Agreement with Amazon signed in 2024.

In Germany, the Baltic Eagle offshore wind farm has now been fully energised. As the first completed project under the Masdar–Iberdrola partnership, it will supply around 475,000 households with clean energy and eliminate approximately 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. Located in the Baltic Sea, the 476MW wind farm is part of Iberdrola’s Baltic Hub, which also includes Wikinger and the planned Windanker project.

These developments strengthen the partnership’s goal to triple global renewable energy capacity by 2030, while supporting Europe’s offshore wind targets and advancing energy transition goals across the UK, Germany and beyond.

Signalling an Emirati-European partnership

HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Chairman of Masdar, said, "Masdar and Iberdrola are continuing to forge one of the largest and most powerful strategic clean energy partnerships to accelerate capacity growth in Europe and worldwide. Offshore wind will play a crucial role in the global energy transformation, and landmark developments like Baltic Eagle and East Anglia THREE are significant advances towards clean energy targets in major European nations. With demand surging due to exponential AI growth and the rise of emerging markets, projects such as these have never been more critical."

Ignacio Galán, Iberdrola’s executive chairman, said, "Today is an important landmark in our global partnership with Masdar. Partnerships such as this one are vital in accelerating energy security and competitiveness and working towards delivering ambitious climate targets. With Masdar, we have a partner who shares our vision and commitment.

Joining forces with Masdar in the East Anglia THREE offshore windfarm will allow Iberdrola to accelerate our strategic focus on the UK, where we are investing £24bn to 2028 in transmission and distribution networks and in renewable energy, contributing to the delivery of the UK Government’s ambitious electrification plans. The completion of Baltic Eagle represents a new milestone in our partnership, reinforcing Iberdrola’s commitment to electrification and strengthening our presence in the Baltic Sea."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said, "This landmark partnership underscores our commitment to driving Europe’s energy transformation and advancing global climate goals. Our strategic co-investments with Iberdrola in East Anglia THREE and Baltic Eagle demonstrate how ambitious cross-border partnerships can deliver transformative impact at scale. Together, we are setting a new benchmark for offshore wind collaboration, and we are looking forward to deepening this partnership as Europe accelerates its renewable energy targets."

Also read: Aed Energy secures investment to scale thermal storage in MENA

Tadweer and BEEAH will now combine forces. (Image source: Tadweer)

Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC, Masdar has announced the divestment of its stake in the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant, pending customary closing conditions, to Tadweer Group.

The strategic move will see Tadweer join BEEAH as a joint venture partner in Emirates Waste-to-Energy, which owns and operates the facility.

The transition allows Masdar to concentrate on scaling its clean energy portfolio, while Tadweer sharpens its focus on local and global waste management ventures.

Tadweer and BEEAH will now combine forces to manage and expand the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy plant, including plans to double its power generation from 30 MW to 60 MW and significantly boost waste processing capacity.

Inaugurated in 2022, the plant is the Middle East’s first commercial-scale waste-to-energy facility and plays a central role in the UAE’s strategy to divert waste from landfills and generate low-carbon electricity.

The agreement reinforces all partners’ commitment to sustainability, with continued collaboration expected on initiatives that support the UAE’s clean energy goals and broader climate agenda.

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, chief executive officer of Masdar, said, “We are proud of the impact this project has had within the UAE, and we extend our sincere thanks to BEEAH for their valued partnership since the inception of our Emirates Waste-to-Energy joint venture. As we transfer our stake, we are confident that Tadweer and BEEAH will continue to advance the project with strong leadership and a clear strategic vision.”

Ali Al Dhaheri, managing director and chief executive officer of Tadweer Group, said, “Acquiring this high-performing asset will further enhance Tadweer Group’s capabilities and support the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable waste management and energy conversion. We look forward to working with BEEAH to build on the strong foundations it has laid working alongside Masdar.”

Khaled Al Huraimel, group CEO of BEEAH Group, said, “We thank Masdar for having partnered with us in the Emirates Waste-to-Energy joint venture and their support on the Sharjah Waste-to-Energy Plant, our inaugural, groundbreaking project. We look forward to further building on these accomplishments alongside Tadweer Group as a joint venture partner, marking a new chapter of growth and waste-to-energy innovation for the nation and the region.”

Also read: UAE Council launches national waste exchange platform

Rolls-Royce powers Duisburg Terminal with world’s first 100% hydrogen CHP energy system. (Image source: mtu solutions)

In a major milestone for sustainable infrastructure, Rolls-Royce and Duisburger Hafen AG have inaugurated a fully CO₂-neutral and self-sufficient energy system at the new Duisburg Gateway Terminal

Officially launched at the beginning of July 2025, this pioneering installation sets a new benchmark for integrated green energy solutions in logistics.

At the core of the system are two mtu combined heat and power (CHP) plants, developed for 100% hydrogen operation and deployed here for the first time globally. Supporting technologies include an mtu battery storage system, mtu hydrogen fuel cells, and a 1.3 MWp photovoltaic (PV) array — all integrated by a sophisticated energy management system.

The installation forms part of the Enerport II lighthouse project, funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Economics and Energy. It is seen as a blueprint for future sustainable energy systems at ports, industrial complexes, and infrastructure facilities. Project collaborators include the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT, Westenergie Netzservice GmbH, Netze Duisburg GmbH, Stadtwerke Duisburg AG, and Stadtwerke Duisburg Energiehandel GmbH.

Dr Jörg Stratmann, CEO of Rolls-Royce Power Systems, commented, “The opening of this CO2-neutral energy system at the Duisburg Gateway Terminal is a milestone on the way to a more climate-friendly, resilient energy supply. Together with our partner duisport, we will show how scalable technologies from Rolls-Royce can contribute concretely to the transformation of critical infrastructures and thus also to the implementation of the energy transition.”

Markus Bangen, CEO of Duisburger Hafen AG, emphasised, “Sustainability is an integral part of our corporate strategy and thus obligation to act responsibly and forward-looking. With this self-sufficient and CO2-neutral energy system, we also have a clear competitive advantage.”

Hydrogen-powered port

The intelligent microgrid provides energy for the 33-football-field-sized terminal, supplying crane systems, charging stations, and shore power. When solar output from the PV system exceeds demand, the surplus is stored in the mtu EnergyPack. In periods of low sunlight, mtu hydrogen CHP units and fuel cell systems ensure a stable, emission-free supply.

Alexander Garbar, head of corporate development at Duisport, noted,“Our microgrid runs reliably and shows that it is possible to supply such a large port terminal completely independently with green energy.”

Rolls-Royce’s involvement in the Enerport II project also marks the debut of its newly enhanced 12-cylinder mtu Series 4000 gas engines, now running on 100% hydrogen. Each engine delivers 1MW of output and demonstrates impressive performance, efficiency, and emissions results — continuing the legacy of mtu power systems.

Looking ahead, Rolls-Royce is collaborating with research centres and industry partners to develop next-generation hydrogen combustion engines capable of reaching power levels of up to 2.5MW, matching today’s larger natural gas CHP plants.

“As part of the expansion of renewable energies, the German government has decided to build further gas-fired power plants with the power plant strategy. Modular gas-fired power plants and smaller, decentralized gas engine systems can compensate for the feed of wind and solar power into the grid, which fluctuates depending on the weather, and efficiently contribute to ensuring security of supply. Rolls-Royce mtu gas engines already provide reliable power and heat supply in many places in Europe. In the UK, even a fleet of more than 500 mtu gas units supports the UK energy transition. Once sufficient availability of green hydrogen is ensured, mtu gas units such as in Duisburg can also contribute significantly to CO2 reduction with 100% hydrogen or even with a hydrogen admixture,” remarked Michael Stipa, senior vice-president of business development and product management for stationary energy solutions at Rolls-Royce.

The project showcases how advanced hydrogen-ready technologies, combined with intelligent systems and public-private collaboration, can power industrial progress while supporting global climate goals.

Also read: Transforming utilities: DEWA’s digital roadmap with Microsoft

The project will help reduce emissions in the shipping industry.

Lloyd's Register (LR) has signed an agreement with German developer DAI Infrastruktur GmbH (DAI) to provide advisory services for Project Ra, a large-scale green ammonia production and bunkering development at East Port Said, Egypt

Project Ra is expected to have a production capacity of up to two million tonnes of green ammonia annually (mtpa), with 1.65mn tonnes produced from renewable energy sources, with production scheduled to start in 2029. Located strategically next to the Suez Canal, it offers a critical bunkering hub for ammonia-fuelled vessels navigating one of the world’s busiest shipping routes. It is expected to play a key role in supplying key European ports with green ammonia, for use as bunkering fuel, electricity generation, and reducing CO₂ emissions in industrial processes such as steel production.

The development aligns with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO)  regulations which will require the use of low- and zero-carbon fuels from 2030 onwards.

LR’s advisory services will cover demand-side pricing analyses, infrastructure planning, asset integrity and risk assessments, regulatory guidance, lifecycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analysis, and market and offtake strategy support. LR will also undertake concept design reviews, feasibility studies and performance benchmarking aligned to ISO 55000.

Panos Mitrou, Global Gas Segment director, Lloyd's Register, said, “Our partnership with DAI demonstrates LR's commitment to supporting the development of critical alternative fuel supply chains that will enable shipowners to navigate the post-MEPC 83 regulatory landscape successfully.

Ioannis Papassavvas, CEO of DAI Infrastruktur, added, “Project Ra represents a critical step in delivering green ammonia at the scale and reliability the maritime sector urgently needs. LR’s advisory support will be vital to ensure Project Ra meets the highest international standards, while aligning with the long-term needs of shipowners and global regulators.”

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