Successful fabrication of nuclear fuel assemblies boosts Barakah plant supply chain

by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 25, 2025

Framatome and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) have reported completion of the first lead nuclear fuel assemblies at Framatome's Richland, Washington facility for use in the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates. This milestone is part of the fuel supply agreement signed by both entities in July 2025 that aims to strengthen UAE electricity supply security through nuclear fuel diversification.

The fabricated assemblies will be shipped for testing at Barakah. Manufacturing took place at Framatome's Richland plant, which applies industry quality and safety standards, and will now undergo evaluation at the Barakah site. The long-term agreement with Framatome supports ENEC's strategy to diversify its nuclear fuel sources, enhancing continuous delivery of carbon-free energy.

Gregoire Ponchon, CEO of Framatome, said: "This milestone demonstrates the strength of our partnership with ENEC and our shared commitment to supporting the UAE's clean energy ambitions. The successful fabrication of the first lead fuel assemblies is a testament to the dedication and expertise of our teams, and it underscores Framatome's role as a trusted partner in the global nuclear industry. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with ENEC to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the Barakah Plant."

His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: "Our partnership with Framatome is an important component of our wider strategy to ensure a resilient fuel supply for Barakah. Framatome's expertise and manufacturing capabilities align perfectly with ENEC's commitment to the highest safety and performance standards - by strengthening Barakah's fuel supply chain, we are supporting continued operational excellence and always-on power generation at Barakah to power the nation's leading industries, businesses and of course our communities."

Prior to routine use in reactors, ENEC will conduct comprehensive testing as part of its fuel qualification program, assessing safety and operational performance of the assemblies under actual plant conditions. After validation, ENEC plans to integrate these assemblies for ongoing operational and regulatory requirements.

Framatome's Richland facility has supplied advanced fuel assemblies for more than 55 years and achieved top regulatory safety performance ratings over multiple decades. The Barakah facility comprises four Pressurized Water Reactor units generating 40 TWh yearly, providing around 25 percent of the UAE's electricity without emissions and offsetting 22.4 million tons of carbon annually.