Paris: A UAE delegation has completed a three-day visit to France, aimed at exploring collaboration opportunities in the fields of hydrogen and nuclear energy. The visit was an effort to share best practices and leverage innovative solutions to address upcoming challenges in the energy transition.
According to Emirates News Agency, the delegation was led by Eng. Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The team included Mohammed Al Hawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Investment, alongside representatives from AMMROC, Emirates, General Civil Aviation Authority, Bee'ah, Masdar, Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, and Lootah BioFuel.
Eng. Al Olama emphasized the shared commitment between the UAE and France to innovation and future trends in clean energy. He noted that the tour aimed to identify best practices and foster bilateral cooperation to advance the UAE's national sustainability goals. France, being a global technology leader, is recognized as a valued partner in shaping a sustainable future.
During the first day of their visit, the delegation held a closed meeting with MEDEF International in Paris, attended by French company representatives and led by Ludovic Pouille, Director of Economic Diplomacy at the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. The meeting explored ongoing cooperation projects and potential areas for expansion. Both sides shared their national hydrogen strategies and presentations from leading French energy providers highlighted hydrogen development projects.
Nuclear energy was another key focus, with the delegation receiving insights into the French nuclear value chain and the latest developments in small modular reactors from industry experts. Al Olama reiterated the importance of strategic partnerships in achieving decarbonization targets.
The second day in Paris involved site visits and meetings, including a tour of Schneider Electric's Innovation Hub, where AI-driven energy optimization solutions were showcased. The delegation also visited Air Liquide's R and D labs to learn about advanced technologies in gases and services for industry and healthcare. Discussions with French Civil Aviation Authority representatives emphasized the role of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) in decarbonizing the aviation sector.
On the final day, the delegation traveled to Toulouse to visit the Airbus mock-up centre and the A350 Final Assembly Line. They also met with UAE graduates interning at Airbus, further strengthening the educational and professional ties between the two nations.
The visit underscores the longstanding strong ties between the UAE and France, which have reached new heights in recent years. The collaboration is expected to result in tangible projects that contribute to building sustainable energy systems and accelerating the transition to clean energy.