The United Arab Emirates is set to embark on a groundbreaking project that will see the construction of a new nuclear power plant, doubling the number of reactors in the small Gulf state. This move comes after the UAE made history in 2021 by becoming the first Arab state to operate a nuclear power plant at the South Korean-built Barakah facility in Abu Dhabi.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the UAE is planning to seek bids this year for the construction of four new reactors, with the aim of having the new plant operational by 2032 to meet projected energy needs. The tender will be open to bidders from various countries, including the U.S., China, and Russia, with South Korea not being treated as a preferred bidder.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has stated that it is ready to review and issue the necessary licenses and regulations for the construction of new plants if the government decides to move forward with the project. The UAE’s energy ministry has emphasized that its nuclear program is peaceful and aimed at reducing reliance on oil for energy purposes.
The Barakah nuclear power plant, located in Abu Dhabi, is expected to provide a quarter of the country’s electricity once the fourth and final reactor starts commercial operations this year. Possible locations for the new nuclear plant include a coastal site near the border with Saudi Arabia or closer to the existing plant at Barakah.
This ambitious project underscores the UAE’s commitment to sustainable energy development and its position as a leader in the region’s nuclear energy sector.