The UAE is positioning itself as a major participant in the global nuclear energy business, with plans to transfer its knowledge around the world. The country is especially focused on the United States, where an increase in artificial intelligence (AI) development is driving record electricity demand.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Co. (ENEC) is actively seeking to increase its influence. “We want to capitalise on our success,” the company’s CEO told the Financial Times, citing the US as a vital market due to its significant investments in AI-powered data centres.
The United States recently announced a $500 billion AI infrastructure program called “Stargate.” Of this, $100 billion has been dedicated to the construction of data centres in Texas, which would increase energy demand even more.
Beyond the US, the UAE is considering investing in other significant areas. ENEC is in talks about contributing to the UK’s Sizewell C nuclear power project. There are also discussions about the establishment of a future nuclear power facility in the Philippines.
Currently, the UAE is the only Gulf nation with a nuclear power plant, which generates 5,300 megawatts. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia is making efforts to enrich and commercialise its uranium assets.
