A microreactor on display at the Saskatchewan Research Council. (650 CKOM file photo)

By CKOM News

Agreement

Saskatchewan organizations to collaborate with UAE on nuclear development

Jan 17, 2026 | 10:13 AM

Two Saskatchewan organizations have signed a memorandum of understanding agreeing to collaborate on the development of a nuclear program in the United Arab Emirates.

On Friday, the provincial government said the deal between the Saskatchewan Research Council, the Global Institute for Energy, Minerals and Society Inc., and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company will provide an opportunity to evaluate technologies related to small, modular reactors, microreactors and the efficiency and reliability of nuclear power plants.

Additionally, the government said the project will also see collaboration on waste management, innovation and transfer of technologies, AI and robotics in nuclear power and an exchange of knowledge.

“With our vast uranium deposits, skilled workforce, and cluster of experts, Saskatchewan is the best region in the world to partner with on nuclear innovation,” Warren Kaeding, Saskatchewan’s trade and export development minister, said in a statement.

“The UAE shares many energy transition goals with us, and our international trade and investment office in Dubai paired with our investment attraction efforts have been instrumental in forging this partnership. I look forward to seeing how this new MOU will advance technologies that benefit both our regions.”

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Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, said the rise in AI and other technologies has increased the demand for power around the world.

“Rising global electricity demand, fueled by AI, data centers, and energy-intensive industries, underscores the urgent need for global collaboration in advancing nuclear energy technologies,” he said, quoted in a government statement.

“Our collaboration… aligns with ENEC’s strategy to responsibly expand civil nuclear energy worldwide, leveraging collective expertise and innovation to deliver secure, reliable, and sustainable energy solutions.”

According to the provincial government, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company is a “world-class nuclear energy organization” with more than 20 years’ experience and a workforce of more than 3,000 people hailing from 50 countries. Meanwhile, the province said the Saskatchewan Research Council is bringing a wealth of research knowledge to the partnership.

“SRC brings decades of applied nuclear research experience to this collaboration, including nearly four decades of operating the SLOWPOKE-2 research reactor,” CEO Mike Crabtree said in a statement.

“This MOU creates a strong foundation for sharing expertise, evaluating advanced reactor technologies, and supporting the responsible development of nuclear energy as part of the transition to clean, reliable energy systems.”

The agreement will run for three years, the government noted, with the option for renewal.