Nuclear power remains an important option for many countries in meeting their energy and climate change goals, but investors need clarity and certainty from policy makers, according to Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). He was summing up the conclusions of the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, held this week in Abu Dhabi.
As a side event to the conference, the UAE's nuclear energy program was showcased as a role model for other countries considering the launch of nuclear power projects to meet their growing energy demands. UAE industry leaders explained how the country has benefited from the support of and collaboration with the international nuclear energy community in its efforts to develop its nuclear power program. Four Korean-designed APR-1400 pressurized water reactors are being built at Barakah for the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. The plant is being built by a consortium led by the Korean Electric Power Company.
Construction of Barakah 1 began in 2012, with units 2, 3 and 4 following in 2013, 2014 and 2015. Units 1 and 2, now over 96% and 87% complete, are both expected to start up next year. Units 3 and 4 - 78% and 58% complete, respectively - are expected to start up in 2019 and 2020. When complete, the power station will deliver up to a quarter of the UAE's electricity and avoid the emission of up to 21 million tonnes of carbon annually.
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