Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed agreements worth $3bn with six companies for the supply of uranium to cover its nuclear power plant’s first 15 years of operations.

The US’ ConverDyn has been selected to provide conversion services, Canada’s Uranium One will provide natural uranium, the UK’s Urenco is to provide enrichment services and UK-headquartered Rio Tinto will provide natural uranium.

Russia’s Tenex will supply uranium concentrates, conversion services and enrichment services. France’s Areva will provide uranium concentrates, conversion services and enrichment services.

The competition to supply nuclear fuel was launched in July 2011. The enriched uranium will be supplied to Kepco Nuclear Fuels, which will manufacture the fuel assemblies for use in the four planned UAE units.