Abu Dhabi, July 3, 2025 – Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and Électricité de France (EDF) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in clean energy education, research, and workforce development. The strategic agreement underscores a shared commitment to supporting the UAE’s energy transition and climate ambitions.
A Pivotal Alliance for the UAE’s Green Future
The MoU was officially signed during the World Utility Congress at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), symbolizing a major step in aligning academic and industry efforts to meet national sustainability goals. The signing ceremony, held at the EDF booth, brought together senior representatives from both institutions.
In attendance were Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of SUAD, and Dr. Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs. Representing EDF were Béatrice Buffon, Senior Executive Vice-President and Chairwoman & CEO of EDF Power Solutions, and Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East of the EDF Group.
Bridging Academia and Industry for Clean Energy Innovation
The partnership sets the stage for a wide range of collaborative initiatives. These include joint research projects, industry-focused seminars, guest lectures, student internships, and project-based learning. A key highlight of the agreement is the opportunity for students to participate in site visits to EDF’s flagship clean energy facilities—providing direct exposure to global best practices in energy innovation and sustainability.
“This partnership empowers our students to make a real-world impact in the renewable energy sector,” said Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz. “Bridging academia and industry is essential to preparing our students to lead the UAE’s green transition and contribute meaningfully to national sustainability efforts.”
Empowering Future Energy Leaders
Dr. Majed Al Khemeiri emphasized the value of knowledge exchange and practical engagement: “Through this collaboration with EDF, we are creating opportunities for meaningful knowledge transfer, ensuring that our graduates are equipped to support the UAE’s strategic clean energy goals with innovative, real-world solutions.”
EDF, one of the world’s largest producers of electricity and a leading renewable energy provider in Europe, brings a wealth of technical expertise to the partnership. The company has been actively involved in accelerating clean energy adoption in the Middle East and sees education as a vital pillar of this mission.
“Our partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a tangible example of EDF’s commitment to fostering future-ready talent,” said Luc Koechlin. “By sharing our expertise, we aim to empower the next generation to lead in the energy transition and address tomorrow’s complex global energy challenges.”
Aligning Education with National Climate Goals
The collaboration builds on an existing relationship between SUAD and EDF and reflects the UAE’s broader drive to position clean energy at the heart of its economic and environmental strategy. The UAE has set a target to increase the share of clean energy in its national energy mix to 30% by 2030.
This partnership illustrates how academia-industry alliances can contribute to achieving such ambitious targets. By equipping students with practical knowledge and exposure to advanced energy systems, SUAD and EDF are helping to shape a new generation of leaders ready to steer the clean energy transformation.
As the UAE continues to invest in climate-forward strategies, this MoU serves as a model for future educational partnerships aimed at building sustainable, innovation-driven economies.
