The UAE has 136 energy projects under development with an estimated capital expenditure of $210 billion, according to data presented by the Energy Industries Council (EIC). Oil and gas projects account for the majority of the pipeline, led by upstream developments representing nearly 40% of planned capex. The council noted that not all tracked projects have yet reached a final investment decision.
The UAE is evaluating a commercial tender that could double its nuclear reactor fleet while exploring small modular reactors for data centres, ports, and hydrogen production, according to an analysis by law firm Stephenson Harwood reported by Utilities Middle East. The expansion builds upon the fully operational 5.6 GW Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to support projected power market growth from 54.15 GW to 68.08 GW. Advanced reactor initiatives include partnerships on GE Vernova Hitachi's BWRX-300 SMR and NANO Nuclear Energy's KRONOS micro-modular reactor.
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