UAE nuclear plant to begin operations soon

Supplied (File photo)

The UAE's first nuclear power plant has moved a step closer towards starting operations.

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has issued an operating licence for Unit 1 of the facility, located in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region.

Nawah Energy Company has been granted the permit for 60 years.

The decision was taken after reviewing the plant’s layout and location as well as the reactor's design, cooling systems, security arrangements, emergency preparedness, radioactive waste management and other technical aspects.

When completed, the Barakah nuclear plant will have four reactors. It will be the first commercial nuclear power station in the Arab region.

The UAE leaders took to Twitter to highlight the milestone. 

"Today’s announcement is another milestone for the UAE, culminating efforts of 12 years towards the development of the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme to which FANR played a significant role to turn this vision into reality," said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, and Deputy Chairman of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation.

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