ENEC Leader Assumes Chairmanship at WANO Atlanta Centre

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

In a groundbreaking achievement for the UAE's civil nuclear sector, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) announced the appointment of His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Group CEO, as Chairman of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Atlanta Centre in the United States. This marks the first occasion an Arab has held this significant position, highlighting the UAE's increasing stature in the realm of global nuclear operations.

The WANO-Atlanta Centre connects operators managing over 100 commercial nuclear reactors in North America, along with select international partners. It plays a critical role in enhancing operational safety, performing peer reviews, and setting performance standards across the international nuclear community.

Al Hammadi has been an active participant in WANO for more than ten years, joining the governing board of the Atlanta Centre in 2015 and serving as WANO President from 2022 to 2024. His new role comes at a time of renewed commitment in the U.S. towards expanding civil nuclear capabilities, backed by federal support and collaborative industry ventures.

This announcement follows various cooperation agreements between ENEC and prominent American nuclear firms such as Westinghouse and GE Vernova. These alliances are aimed at promoting project development, enhancing fuel supply chains, and identifying investment opportunities in innovative nuclear technologies. With operational practices that align with U.S. standards and a regulatory framework that meets U.S. NRC guidelines, ENEC is well-positioned to spearhead U.S.-UAE nuclear collaborations.

The UAE's burgeoning credibility in the nuclear field is founded on the success of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which is the first multi-unit nuclear facility in the Arab world. Barakah generates 40 TWh of clean energy each year, fulfilling a quarter of the nation's electricity needs while standing as the largest single-source electricity provider in the region. Its successful operations have cemented the UAE's status among the globe's most dependable civil nuclear operators.

With Al Hammadi's leadership role at WANO's Atlanta Centre, the UAE is poised to further its involvement in enhancing global nuclear safety, reliability, and collaborative efforts while continuing to strengthen its partnerships within the rapidly evolving civil nuclear industry.