The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently made news headlines when it received an operating license for the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, a development that opens the door to the plant commencing operations in 2020. This move is a significant milestone in the Middle East, as UAE becomes the first country in the region to make strides in nuclear-generated power.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Project
The plant, named Barakah, is situated in Abu Dhabi and its construction is being supervised by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). The project plan for the power plant was initially unveiled in 2017.
When brought into full operation, the Barakah plant will consist of four nuclear reactors. These are expected to boast a cumulative capacity of approximately 5,600 megawatts, a substantial amount of energy output that is anticipated to transform the power landscape in the UAE.
Gearing up for Power Production
As proposed, the total capacity of the Barakah plant will represent nearly one-fifth of the UAE’s existing installed generating capacity. This showcases the significant role that the power plant is expected to play in meeting the country’s electricity needs once it becomes fully operational.
Since receiving the operating license, the next step for the Barakah nuclear power plant—which is now closer than ever to opening its doors—is to gear up for power production.
Geographical Considerations
In terms of its location, the Barakah nuclear power plant has been strategically placed on a scarcely inhabited stretch of desert along the coast of the Persian Gulf. The placement of the plant in such a location takes into consideration various safety and operational factors essential in running a power plant of this nature. It is far from populous areas yet close enough to the water source necessary for cooling the nuclear reactors.
The creation of the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant in the UAE represents a major step forward for the region’s energy sector. The Barakah plant is not only set to significantly increase the country’s power generating capacity but also place the UAE on the map as a trendsetter in the adoption and implementation of nuclear technology for power production.