ARKANSAS, Sept 24 (Future Headlines)- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has emerged as a global leader in the development of clean and sustainable energy solutions, notably through the successful creation of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and the ongoing advancements of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. In a recent milestone, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has transitioned its expertise and knowledge from nuclear energy to the production of clean molecules, a move that promises to significantly contribute to global decarbonization efforts. This transition was a focal point of discussion during the Atlantic Council Global Nuclear Energy Policy Summit 2023, held in New York, USA.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, took part in a panel session alongside distinguished figures in the nuclear and clean energy sectors. The panel included Sama Leon, Director-General of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), and John Wagner, Laboratory Director at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), with moderation by Jennifer Gordon, Director of the Nuclear Energy Policy Initiative at the Atlantic Council.

ENEC’s transition towards clean molecules represents a strategic shift in its mission. Leveraging its experience, skills, and the clean electricity generated by the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, ENEC is now at the forefront of accelerating the development of clean hydrogen, heat, and steam. These clean molecules hold immense promise in the fight against carbon emissions and will be instrumental in helping nations move closer to their net-zero emissions targets.

Clean molecules, including clean hydrogen, heat, and steam, are becoming increasingly vital in the global pursuit of clean and sustainable energy sources. These molecules offer a versatile set of solutions for a wide range of applications, from decarbonizing heavy industry to meeting the surging demand for clean energy to power data centers.

One of the paramount drivers of this shift is the exponential growth of data centers worldwide. Al Hammadi highlighted that the number of data centers has surged from 800,000 in 2013 to a staggering 8 million in 2022. Projections indicate that these data centers will consume approximately 10 percent of global electricity by 2030. This surge, coupled with the continuous expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, signifies that countries across the globe will soon find themselves in competition to attract digital customers seeking clean and sustainable electricity solutions to host their data centers.

ENEC’s commitment to pioneering clean molecules aligns with its broader vision of addressing the global energy challenges of today and tomorrow. As data centers and digital technologies continue to dominate the global landscape, the need for clean and reliable electricity sources becomes paramount. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with its reliable and sustainable electricity generation capacity, provides a solid foundation for ENEC’s clean molecule initiatives. Clean hydrogen, for instance, holds immense potential as a green energy carrier, offering a clean and efficient means of energy storage and distribution. Heat and steam, generated sustainably, can drive industrial processes with significantly reduced carbon footprints.

Importantly, ENEC’s transition to clean molecules positions the UAE as a key player in the global race to provide sustainable and clean energy solutions. As nations worldwide strive to achieve their net-zero emissions goals, the significance of clean molecules in decarbonizing various sectors cannot be overstated. ENEC’s vision for a sustainable future not only aligns with the UAE’s ambitious clean energy goals but also contributes to the global endeavor to mitigate the impacts of climate change. As clean molecules gain prominence in the global energy discourse, ENEC’s role as a leader in this space will likely become increasingly influential, shaping the trajectory of sustainable energy adoption worldwide.

Reporting by Emad Martin