United States Secretary of Energy set to embark on inaugural foreign trip in United Arab Emirates
UAE-US Strategic Energy Partnership Strengthens with Secretary Wright's Visit
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is hosting US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on his first international trip, marking a significant step forward in the UAE-US strategic energy partnership. This visit follows a successful UAE leadership delegation to Washington, DC in March.
During his stay, Secretary Wright will participate in the Future Energy Leaders Majlis, a gathering aimed at fostering collaboration and innovation among promising Emirati and American talent in the energy sector. In addition, he will hold meetings with top government and industry leaders in the UAE.
The UAE-US strategic energy partnership is evolving, with a focus on expanding sustainable economic growth, advancing energy innovation, and fostering cross-border trade and investment. The key focus areas include nuclear energy collaboration, deepening investments in US natural gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure, and leveraging AI and other technologies to support a modern, clean, and secure energy future.
A major development is the agreement between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Westinghouse to accelerate the deployment of AP1000 nuclear reactors in the US. This reflects the UAE's support for the US goal of building 10 large nuclear reactors by 2030, leveraging ENEC's expertise from operating the Barakah Nuclear Plant to enhance US nuclear energy expansion and energy security.
The UAE, through Mubadala Energy, recently closed a strategic investment in the US natural gas and LNG sector via a partnership with Kimmeridge. This investment aims to develop integrated upstream natural gas and LNG export capabilities, including the Commonwealth LNG terminal in Louisiana. This underscores the UAE's commitment to deepening its energy asset portfolio in the US, targeting expansion in natural gas to support global and US energy markets.
The partnership is also emphasizing AI and technology-driven initiatives that underpin the energy transition. Through strategic AI cooperation and the U.S.-UAE AI Acceleration Partnership, both countries are setting standards for secure AI use while enabling advanced energy infrastructure and compute capabilities. This aligns with the UAE’s $1.4 trillion investment drive in America to strengthen energy and technology sectors together.
Dr. Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and Managing Director of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), highlighted new avenues of cooperation in energy, AI, and industry that align with both nations' pro-growth, pro-investment outlook. The UAE's energy presence in the US is expanding through entities like Masdar and XRG, reflecting growing bilateral cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, LNG, and civil nuclear initiatives.
Secretary Wright expressed his eagerness for continued discussions with UAE counterparts, based on recent UAE investments in the US and their joint efforts to enhance global energy security. The UAE's investments in the US and their joint efforts in energy security are significant components of their ongoing strategic energy partnership.
The UAE is the first stop in a broader Middle East tour for Secretary Wright. The talks during the visit will focus on expanding sustainable economic growth, advancing energy innovation, and fostering cross-border trade and investment. The Future Energy Leaders Majlis signifies a commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders in the energy sector, further strengthening the UAE-US relationship.
Dr. Al Jaber welcomed the visit, calling it a reflection of the "strength and depth" of UAE-US ties. Secretary Wright will meet with top government and industry leaders in the UAE, including Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, Mohamed Alsuwaidi, Mariam Almheiri, and Yousef Al Otaiba.
In summary, the UAE-US strategic energy partnership currently focuses on nuclear energy deployment collaboration, deepening investments in US natural gas and LNG infrastructure, and leveraging AI and other technologies to support a modern, clean, and secure energy future. These elements collectively enhance bilateral energy security, economic growth, and technological innovation.
- Secretary Wright's visit to the UAE, the first stop in a broader Middle East tour, is a significant step forward in the UAE-US strategic energy partnership.
- During his stay, Secretary Wright will collaborate with Emirati and American talent in the energy sector at the Future Energy Leaders Majlis.
- The UAE-US strategic energy partnership aims to expand sustainable economic growth, advance energy innovation, and foster cross-border trade and investment.
- The agreement between ENEC and Westinghouse to accelerate the deployment of AP1000 nuclear reactors in the US reflects the UAE's support for the US goal of building 10 large nuclear reactors by 2030.
- The UAE, through Mubadala Energy, recently made an investment in the US natural gas and LNG sector, aiming to develop integrated upstream natural gas and LNG export capabilities.
- The partnership between the UAE and US is emphasizing AI and technology-driven initiatives, setting standards for secure AI use while enabling advanced energy infrastructure and compute capabilities.
