Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi (SUAD) and Électricité de France (EDF), one of the world’s largest electricity producers and a leading renewable energy provider in Europe, have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen collaboration in clean energy education, research, and workforce development.
The MoU was signed during the World Utility Congress at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), marking a significant step toward supporting the UAE’s energy transition and sustainability goals. 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 was represented by Béatrice Buffon, Senior Executive Vice-President and Chairwoman & CEO of EDF Power Solutions, and Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East, EDF Group.
The agreement outlines a broad framework for cooperation in areas such as joint research, industry seminars, guest lectures, internship opportunities, and project-based learning. Students will gain hands-on exposure through site visits to EDF’s key energy projects, enhancing their understanding of global best practices in utility innovation and clean energy deployment.
“This partnership empowers our students to make a real-world impact in the renewable energy sector,” said Professor Nathalie Martial-Braz, Chancellor of SUAD. “Bridging academia and industry is essential to preparing our students to lead the UAE’s green transition and contribute meaningfully to national sustainability efforts.”
Dr. Majed Al Khemeiri added, “Through this collaboration with EDF, we are creating opportunities for meaningful knowledge exchange, ensuring that our graduates are equipped to support the UAE’s strategic clean energy goals with innovative, real-world solutions.”
Commenting on the agreement, Luc Koechlin, CEO Middle East of EDF Group, said, “Our partnership with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi is a tangible example of EDF’s commitment to fostering future-ready talent. 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.”
The MoU builds on an established relationship between the two institutions and reflects the UAE’s broader push to increase clean energy’s share to 30% of the national energy mix by 2030. The partnership aligns academic advancement with national climate goals, highlighting the critical role of education-industry collaboration in shaping a sustainable future.
