Organized in Partnership with ENEC, Visit Showcases Khalifa University’s Capabilities for Potential Collaboration
A 12-member delegation representing the US Department of Energy (DOE), the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission, Nuclear Power Ghana, and Poland’s Ministry of Energy and Office of Technical Inspection, visited Khalifa University’s Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) and several advanced laboratories, to explore opportunities for collaboration in peaceful nuclear energy and clean-energy technologies.
Led by Aleshia Duncan, the Deputy Assistant Secretary for International Cooperation in the Office of Nuclear Energy at the U.S. Department of Energy, the delegation comprised senior representatives from Ghana and Poland. The US team included officials from the Department of Energy’s Office of Nuclear Energy and the Office of International Cooperation, alongside officials from the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission and Nuclear Power Ghana, as well as Poland’s Ministry of Energy and Office of Technical Inspection.
Ahmed Al Mazrouei, ENEC Nuclear Research & Development Vice President, welcomed guests from the US, Ghana, and Poland and highlighted the UAE’s success in deploying the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which now provides 25% of the nation’s electricity needs. He noted that the UAE’s recent experience offers valuable insights for countries developing or expanding nuclear programs.
He emphasized ENEC’s goal to become a global Nuclear Integrator, strengthening safety, quality, cost efficiency, and human capability. He also underscored the importance of ENEC’s R&D efforts and its strong partnerships with Khalifa University and ENTC, which help build a robust ecosystem linking research, industry, and international stakeholders. He concluded by expressing confidence that the day’s demonstrations showcased the value of these collaborations and encouraged future partnership opportunities.
Professor Ahmed Al Durra, Associate Provost for Research, Khalifa University, said: “This visit reflects a shared commitment to advancing peaceful nuclear science at a time when international cooperation is more important than ever. Bringing together key partners from the US, Ghana, and Poland, as well as our local stakeholder ENEC, creates space for in-depth dialogue, knowledge exchange, and new research opportunities that benefit all sides. The tri-partite framework supporting ENTC ensures that our work remains scientifically rigorous, operationally relevant, and aligned with national priorities, reflecting years of constructive partnership and trust between ENEC, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and Khalifa University.”
The delegation also toured several state-of-the-art laboratories across the Sas Al Nakhl Campus such as facilities focused on radiochemistry, materials characterization, electron microscopy, hydrogen utilization, and heat transfer. These labs support advanced research in areas such as materials science, thermal systems, and radiochemistry that are central to the development of peaceful nuclear technologies and next-generation energy systems.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
