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Second nuclear plant in the works? The government is reportedly mulling a second nuclear power plant as it looks to double nuclear reactors and meet energy demands, Reuters reports, citing people familiar with the matter. Tenders for four reactors at the potential plant — which would be the second nuclear facility in the country after the Barakah nuclear plant — could be issued “within the next few months,” Reuters’ sources say. The government could also award the contracts this year, with the plant expected to begin operations near the Saudi Arabian border or the existing Barakah plant by 2032.
Who can bid? Tenders will be open to any potential bidders, including US, Chinese, and Russian firms, the sources said, adding that South Korea — which built the Barakah plant — will not be favored. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation told Reuters it is set to review and hand out the necessary licenses and regulations if the government gives the green light for new plant construction.
Its predecessor: The move comes as the 1.4 GW fourth unit of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s South Korean-built Barakah nuclear energy plant was connected to the UAE’s transmission grid last month. Once it begins full commercial operations later this year, the plant is expected to offset 22.4 mn tonnes of emissions with 40 TWh of generated electricity annually.
Fast fact: The UAE is the first Arab state to operate a nuclear power plant.
