Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and minister of state for foreign affairs in the UAE, has visited the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, to witness the site?s construction progress
With four identical reactors being built simultaneously, the Barakah Plant, located in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, is one of the world?s largest nuclear new build projects.
The construction of the Barakah plant began in 2012, with more than 84 per cent of the construction being completed so far. Once completed, the facility is expected to deliver up to a quarter of the UAE?s electricity needs, saving up to 21mn tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
Sheikh Hamdan was updated by senior management on preparations for the operational readiness of Unit 1 as well as the progress being made on the construction of the other three units. During the tour of Barakah, he also met with some of the Emirati engineers currently working at the Plant.
While giving a briefing on the construction development of the Barakah plant, the management team highlighted that construction of the plant is progressing safely and steadily.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the importance of the Barakah plant in securing the UAE?s energy sources. He further added that the plant and the wider UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme are creating opportunities for local businesses and talented UAE nationals from the surrounding communities.
Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) board of directors, said, ?The Barakah plant has already had a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of the UAE, with contracts valued at more than US$3.54bn awarded to local companies.?
?In addition, the UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme is educating and training a new generation of Emirati nuclear energy experts, pioneers in the transformation and diversification of the UAE economy,? he emphasised.
Al Mubarak further added that the country is working in collaboration with the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the UAE nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure that every aspect of the UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme is implemented as per the highest international standards.
