UAE Leads Global Nuclear Dialogue at Roadmap to New Nuclear 2025

Paris – Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, led the nation’s delegation to the prestigious Roadmap to New Nuclear 2025 ministerial conference, held on 18–19 September at the headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris.

Organised jointly by the Government of the Republic of Korea and the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA), the conference brought together energy ministers from over 30 countries, along with government officials and CEOs from 50 leading companies. The discussions focused on experiences, strategic initiatives, supply chain strengthening, workforce development, and securing financing to accelerate nuclear energy adoption.

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The Roadmap to New Nuclear conference has established itself as a vital forum for open dialogue between governments and private sector leaders, concentrating on the critical steps required to rejuvenate nuclear energy leadership within OECD member nations. This year’s edition was especially significant, highlighting strong momentum in new nuclear power projects and underlining the role of nuclear energy in global energy security and economic growth.

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Building on the historic COP28 recommendations hosted by the UAE, the summit emphasized the urgent need to scale up clean energy, including nuclear, with 31 nations endorsing the goal to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050.

During the ministerial session, Al Mazrouei delivered the UAE’s statement, reaffirming the country’s commitment to international clean energy efforts. He praised the Nuclear Energy Agency and the Government of Korea for orchestrating this pivotal event and highlighted the importance of translating COP28 political commitments into actionable projects, sustainable financing, and robust international partnerships.

The UAE minister drew attention to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, describing it as a pioneering global model. Producing 40 terawatt-hours annually, Barakah meets approximately a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs with clean and reliable energy, while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Notably, it is the first peaceful nuclear program in the Arab world to achieve full operation under the highest international standards.

Looking ahead, Al Mazrouei noted that the UAE is exploring advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors and new reactor designs, to expand nuclear applications in hydrogen production and supply energy for critical industries and data centers, supporting the nation’s climate neutrality ambitions.

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He also addressed financing as the key challenge to nuclear expansion, advocating for nuclear energy’s inclusion in sustainable finance frameworks and support from international financial institutions. Emphasizing safety, security, and non-proliferation, Al Mazrouei reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to share its expertise with other nations, strengthening nuclear energy’s role in addressing climate change, ensuring energy security, and driving sustainable economic growth.

On the sidelines, Al Mazrouei, alongside UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA Hamad Ali Al Kaabi and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi, met with Rafael Grossi, Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The UAE delegation also included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company.