- Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and EDF sign MoU to boost clean energy education, research, and talent development through joint projects, seminars, and internships.
- Students to gain hands-on exposure via guided visits to EDF power plants and project-based learning, bridging academic theory with real-world energy innovation.
- Partnership supports UAE’s clean energy goal of 30% by 2030, showcasing academia-industry collaboration as key to advancing sustainable development and climate targets.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and Electricite de France (EDF) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen clean energy education, research, and talent development. The partnership was signed at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre during the World Utility Congress. It combines SUAD's academic strength and EDF's experience as one of the world's largest electricity generators and Europe's premier renewable energy developer.
The MoU is based on a long standing cooperation between the two organizations. It provides a detailed plan for fostering sustainable development and readying the next generation of industry professionals. According to the agreement, SUAD and EDF will execute several joint research activities aiming at solving national sustainability challenges, conduct expert guided seminars, and welcome guest lectures by EDF professionals. Curriculum will be further enhanced through project based learning activities, including internships for students and routes towards future employment.
In addition, students will be provided with experiential learning experiences, including guided visits to EDF's power plants. The visits will expose them to real-world uses of utility innovation and renewable energy deployment, enabling them to experience firsthand the frontline of clean energy advancement. Professor Nathalie Martial Braz, SUAD Chancellor, highlighted the need to connect theory and practice.
She declared that this alliance "empowers our students to make a real world impact strong partnerships between academia and industry are essential to driving meaningful change within our communities".
Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East of EDF Group, pointed out the collaboration as a tangible example of EDF's commitment to developing future ready talent. He added that through exchange of expertise and academic support, the MoU will enable students to possess essential skills required to drive the global energy transition.
This timely partnership serves the UAE's ambitious target of enhancing the proportion of clean energy in its energy mix to 30 percent by 2030. Aligning with the country's overall climate and energy goals, the venture reiterates the critical role of university industry alliances in driving scale-up transitions to clean energy systems.
