ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates is set to become the first Arab countryto open a nuclear power plant after the authorities on Monday issued alicence for a reactor at its Barakah nuclear power plant.
The national nuclear regulator “has approved the issuance” of the operatinglicence for the first of four reactors at the plant, said Hamad al-Kaabi,the UAE representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency.
“This is a historic moment for the UAE, making it the first Arab country inthe region to operate a nuclear power plant,” Kaabi told a press conference.
“This milestone was achieved due to the UAE’s vision and its leadership tobuild a peaceful nuclear energy programme to cater for the future needs ofenergy in the country.”
The Barakah plant, located on the Gulf coast west of the UAE’s capital, hadbeen due to come online in late 2017 but faced a number of delays thatofficials attributed to safety and regulatory requirements.
Abu Dhabi authorities said in January that the plant would start operatingwithin a few months.
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“The full operation of Barakah plant in the near future will contribute tothe UAE’s efforts for development and sustainability,” Kaabi said onMonday, without giving a new date.
The plant is being built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric PowerCorporation in a deal worth over $20 billion.
When fully operational, the four reactors have the capacity to generate5,600 megawatts of electricity, around 25% of the nation’s needs. Theremaining three reactors are almost ready for operation.
The UAE has substantial energy reserves, but nuclear and renewables aretargeted to contribute around 27% of its electricity needs by 2021. – APP /AFP
