Électricité de France (EDF) and Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) have signed a new strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement aims to promote sustainability-focused education and prepare students for careers in the clean energy sector.
The agreement was formalised on 28 May at the World Utilities Congress at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) and announced on 2 July.
The signing ceremony took place at the EDF booth in the presence of Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of SUAD, and Dr Majed Al Khemeiri, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Administrative and Financial Affairs.
EDF’s leadership team included Béatrice Buffon, EDF Group Senior Executive Vice-President and Chairwoman & CEO of EDF Power Solutions, and Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East of EDF Group.
The MoU builds on an existing partnership and outlines collaborative initiatives including joint research, expert-led seminars, guest lectures, internships, and educational site visits to EDF facilities.
These efforts aim to support the UAE’s target of generating 30% of its energy from clean sources by 2030.
Professor Martial-Braz says in an official statement: “We are proud to partner with EDF in a collaboration that empowers our students to make a real-world impact, particularly in the critical field of renewable energy.
“Strong partnerships between academia and industry are essential to driving meaningful change within our communities.”
Luc Koechlin adds: “The partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a concrete step in EDF’s commitment to developing future-ready talent.
“By sharing our expertise and supporting academic collaboration, we are helping to equip the next generation with the critical skills needed to accelerate the energy transition.”
[Image credit: EDF]
