France has expressed its openness to investments from the United Arab Emirates in its nuclear energy industry, according to Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire. Speaking on Tuesday during his visit to Abu Dhabi, Le Maire highlighted the potential for UAE investment in various segments of France's nuclear sector, ahead of detailed discussions with Emirati officials.

In March, sources revealed that the UAE had approached several European nations, including France, to explore investment opportunities in their nuclear power infrastructure through its state nuclear company. Le Maire confirmed that his discussions in the UAE would focus on gauging the Gulf state's interest in participating in France's nuclear projects, such as those involving the nuclear fuel specialist Orano, which is predominantly state-owned.

French state-controlled energy provider EDF is set to build and operate six new nuclear reactors with significant public financing support. Le Maire emphasized France's readiness to assist the UAE if it decides to expand its nuclear capabilities, following reports in April of the UAE's plans to construct four additional reactors. The UAE, which launched the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, Barakah, in 2021, seeks to invest in international nuclear assets as a minority stakeholder without direct management or operational roles.

Source: reuters.com