During the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) from Nov 30 to Dec 1, Yu Jianfeng, chairman of China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to promote international cooperation in nuclear energy and enhance its role in addressing climate change. He held talks with Mohamed Al Hammadi, the managing director and chief executive officer of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on joint development and investment in nuclear energy projects in a third country. During the UAE visit, Yu Jianfeng also met with Sama Bilbao y León, the director general of World Nuclear Association, and Matthew Opoku Prempeh, the minister for energy of Ministry of Energy of Ghana, reaching a consensus on broader cooperation.
During the meeting with Hammadi, Yu Jianfeng introduced the latest developments in China's nuclear energy industry, stating that CNNC will fully leverage its advantages and experience in nuclear power construction. Together with the UAE, CNNC will support countries and regions in achieving green and low-carbon transformation, contributing to local sustainable development. Hammadi expressed appreciation for the achievements of cooperation between the two sides and emphasized that the nuclear energy collaboration in the third country is a crucial solution for addressing global climate change. He also highlighted the significant role of nuclear energy technology in decarbonization in industries such as oil and gas, expressing the hope for further cooperation.
During the meeting, León highly praised CNNC's efforts in promoting the development of nuclear power and its contributions to addressing global climate change. She conveyed gratitude for CNNC's support for the Net Zero Nuclear (NZN) and the human resources of the World Nuclear Association. CNNC invited León to visit China and expressed the hope for further collaboration and exchange in areas such as human resources and policy research.
During the meeting with Prempeh, both sides jointly reviewed the successful experiences of collaboration in microreactor projects and the conversion of miniature neutron source reactors. They also discussed the shared vision for further nuclear cooperation.
Yu Jianfeng also held discussions with subsidiaries of CNNC in the UAE and extended greetings to the front-line employees, expressing full recognition for their achievements in exploring the UAE and Middle Eastern markets. He pointed out that international operations are crucial support for the development of CNNC, and all units should attach great importance to it. He also emphasized the importance of strictly adhering to local laws and ensuring safety to establish a positive image for Chinese enterprises.