Today's Edition
SAEED MOHAMMED (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s Barakah nuclear power stations, the first multi-station nuclear energy project in operation in the Arab world, are a model of a successful strategic partnership between the UAE and Korea in the clean and renewable energy sectors.
Dating back more than 40 years, relations between the UAE and the Republic of Korea were strengthened in 2009 when the Korean Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) was selected as the main contractor for the Barakah nuclear power plant project. The two countries relations advanced further in 2016 when the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and KEPCO signed a joint agreement to ensure the sustainable operational activities of the Barakah stations for the next 60 years and beyond.
In March of this year, ENEC announced the start of operational activities at the fourth station within the Barakah nuclear power stations, managed by Nawah Energy Company, a subsidiary responsible for operating and maintaining the stations. The announcement marked the beginning of heat production in the reactor through nuclear fission for the first time, which is used to generate electricity by operating steam turbines.
The completion of the four Barakah stations demonstrates extensive experience in managing major projects, with operations starting at one station per year since 2020. The Barakah stations use four advanced APR-1400 pressurised water reactors, each capable of producing up to 1400 megawatts of clean electricity. The Dh8.89 billion refinancing process for the Barakah nuclear power stations announced in 2023 was classified as green financing, highlighting the significant contribution of nuclear energy to enhancing the UAE’s green economy and supports its strategy to transition to clean energy sources by providing carbon-free electricity.
The UAE’s peaceful nuclear programme is an essential part of the the country’s environmentally friendly energy system, which includes various emission-free technologies, ensuring the sustainability, reliability, and flexibility of the electricity grid for at least 60 years.
In November 2021, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and ADQ revealed two partnership agreements under which Korean GS Energy and Japanese Mitsui & Co., Ltd. joined Vertiglo in the joint project to produce low-carbon blue ammonia within the “Ta’ziz” integrated industrial system in Ruwais.
The partnership contributes to consolidating the UAE’s leadership in low-carbon fuels and benefits from the emerging global demand for blue ammonia as a clean hydrogen carrier fuel.
In June 2022, Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company “Masdar” and KEPCO signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore opportunities for cooperation in offshore wind energy projects including current projects or those planned by KEPCO in the offshore wind energy sector and Masdar’s global projects for renewable energy.
