UAE completes first unit of Barakah nuclear plant

Abu Dhabi - The construction was completed in 69 months.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea, visited the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Al Dhafra Region to celebrate the successful completion of the construction of Unit 1.

During the ceremony, both leaders highlighted the importance of this historic milestone that sets the UAE as the first Arab country to deliver a commercial nuclear plant to the highest standards of safety, quality and security, as well as the first nuclear newcomer since 1985.

With this strategic milestone achieved, Unit 1 clears the construction phase, and the project now shifts its focus to completing operational readiness preparations required to obtain the approval of the Operating Licence by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR.

This latest accomplishment is the result of the close collaborative relationship between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and its prime contractor and joint venture partner, the Korea Electric Power Corporation, KEPCO. While adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality, ENEC and KEPCO have completed Unit 1 construction in 69 months, in strict adherence to FANR regulations. The accomplishment is even more notable, given the complete absence of any previous nuclear industry of infrastructure within the UAE, and it provides a positive reference point for other nations considering the adoption of peaceful nuclear energy.

Commenting on this latest milestone, Sheikh Mohamed said, "This is a historic moment in our nation's development as we celebrate the construction completion of Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme will play a strategic role in the growth of our nation by enhancing our energy security, diversifying our economy, and creating employment opportunities for our people, thereby helping secure the future of generations to come."

His Highness went on to express his pride in the role played by Emirati professionals in the project's development, working in close collaboration with Government and regulatory partners, to ensure the delivery of Unit 1 to the highest standards of safety, quality and security. "Today is a historic day for the energy sector of the UAE, as we continue to make progress on one of our nation's most significant projects," he added.

• Abu Dhabi