NANO Nuclear Energy has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Abu Dhabi-based EHC Investment LLC to assess the potential rollout of its KRONOS micro modular reactors across the United Arab Emirates.
Under the agreement, NANO will work alongside EHC — a diversified investment holding company with a 35-year track record and a subsidiary of International Holding Company — to evaluate selected regional markets, examine options for developing a nuclear supply chain, and explore prospective commercial arrangements either with EHC or third-party stakeholders. The partnership will also consider how such initiatives could advance national and regional clean energy ambitions.
The two organisations will further assess prospective end users and potential host locations for KRONOS MMR deployment, spanning industrial operations, data centres, and other forms of energy-intensive infrastructure.
The KRONOS MMR is a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor designed to deliver 45MW of thermal output and 15MW of electrical capacity. It incorporates TRISO fuel embedded within prismatic graphite blocks and features a sealed, transportable core. According to NANO, the system operates without water, does not require connection to a conventional electrical grid or supporting infrastructure, and can be transported by road for on-site assembly. Multiple units may also be configured collectively to generate gigawatt-scale power.
Ali Al Gebely, Managing Director of EHC, stated that the collaboration aligns with the company’s long-term objective of positioning the UAE as a leader in next-generation energy technologies. He noted that micro modular reactors present a viable pathway to deliver dependable, carbon-free electricity to critical infrastructure, including data centres and industrial ecosystems. Through the partnership with NANO Nuclear, he said, EHC aims to support scalable nuclear deployment, reinforce national energy resilience, and contribute to the country’s clean energy and advanced technology agenda.
Jay Yu, Founder and Chairman of NANO Nuclear, described the MoU as a significant initial step for the company’s expansion into the Gulf region. He indicated that engagement with EHC in the coming months would help refine its understanding of regional market dynamics and align its strategy with local stakeholders. He added that the collaboration could pave the way for further agreements and support the advancement of nuclear capabilities across the Gulf, while enabling NANO to address the evolving energy requirements of the UAE and wider region.
The UAE already operates commercial nuclear capacity at the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, where the first reactor commenced commercial operations in 2021. The facility currently supplies approximately a quarter of the nation’s electricity demand.
