UAE’s Nuclear Power Plant: Energy and Politics

  • Date: 01-Aug-2020
  • Source: Naharnet
  • Sector:Industrial
  • Country:UAE
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UAE’s Nuclear Power Plant: Energy and Politics

The United Arab Emirates' Barakah nuclear power plant, a first for the Arab world, successfully started up Saturday in a region grappling with conflicts.

Here are some facts about the plant that consists of four nuclear reactors, designed to supplement the energy needs of a country which has substantial oil reserves but is investing heavily in renewables.

- What is the UAE's nuclear program? -

The $22.4 billion Barakah plant, on the Gulf coast west of Abu Dhabi, is being built by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation.

When fully operational, the four reactors will generate 5,600 megawatts, around 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs. 

On Saturday, the UAE pushed the button on the first of the four reactors. Commercial operation of Unit 1 is planned for later this year. 

"The full operation of Barakah plant in the near future will contribute to the UAE's efforts for development and sustainability," Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, told journalists in January.

The plant is a regional first. Neighboring Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build up to 16 nuclear reactors, but they have yet to materialise. 

- Why go nuclear? -

The UAE's seven emirates have an energy-hungry population of 10 million, mostly