The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has awarded contracts totalling US$3bn to UAE-based companies for the construction of the country?s first nuclear energy plant
More than 1,400 UAE-based companies have now been contracted for the delivery of products and services for the Barakah plant, currently under construction in the western region of Abu Dhabi.
ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said, ?A major factor in the UAE?s decision to pursue a peaceful nuclear energy programme was the opportunity to develop and enhance the nation?s budding industrial sector and provide a diverse range of opportunities for talented Emiratis. The UAE?s peaceful nuclear energy programme has supported the diversification and growth of the nation?s economy since its inception.?
By focusing on local companies, ENEC is also helping to stimulate the local economy in the western region and the UAE as a whole. Nuclear energy plants generally have a very positive impact on local economy long-term growth.
The project at Barakah is progressing steadily, Unit 1 is now more than 87 per cent complete, Unit 2 is 70 per cent complete, Unit 3 is 48 per cent complete and Unit 4 is 29 per cent complete. Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now more than 65 per cent complete. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing.
When the four reactors are completed, the UAE?s peaceful nuclear energy programme will provide approximately 25 per cent of the country?s electricity needs and save up to 12mn tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year, ENEC revealed.
