Rolls-Royce and Abu Dhabi to assess industrial capabilities to support potential Civil nuclear programme

Rolls-Royce plc and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today agreed to work together to assess Abu Dhabi’s industrial capabilities to support a potential civil nuclear power programme. The two parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding regarding the work during a meeting in Abu Dhabi.

The agreement follows in the context of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) policy published in April 2008, calling for the evaluation and potential implementation of a peaceful nuclear energy programme to address expected energy supply shortfalls in the country. This policy called for the structuring and launch of ENEC, which is in formation, and when formed will be the vehicle of the Government of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi that will develop and oversee potential nuclear energy development. It also calls for the development and launch of an independent nuclear regulatory agency in the UAE.

The vision of the Government of Abu Dhabi is for the Emirate to become a centre of expertise and capability for components and equipment for the potential United Arab Emirates Civil Nuclear Power Programme, the potential for which is currently under evaluation.

Sir John Rose, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce plc, said: “Rolls-Royce has been involved in the nuclear industry for over 50 years and is well placed to respond to the growing, world-wide interest in civil nuclear. We look forward to applying our expertise to help Abu Dhabi assess its civil nuclear capability. “

Earlier this year, Rolls-Royce announced the establishment of a new business unit to address the global market for civil nuclear power. The civil nuclear market is currently worth around £30 billion a year and the company expects this to grow to £50 billion a year in 15 years’ time.

Rolls-Royce has the largest nuclear skills base in the UK, with an existing supply chain of 260 companies, and can support several of the key phases of a civil nuclear programme, including providing advice to governments and operators, and technical engineering support.

Rolls-Royce has a growing presence in the Middle East across all its business sectors – civil aerospace, defence aerospace, marine and energy. In Abu Dhabi it has a number of agreements with companies affiliated to the Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala) and is involved in the philanthropic work of the Emirates Foundation.

It powers Etihad aircraft and works with Abu Dhabi Aircraft Technologies and Abu Dhabi Ship Building. Rolls-Royce also participates in the Masdar vision to position Abu Dhabi as a world-class research and development hub for new energy technologies.