UAE mulls 2nd N. power plant

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering building a second nuclear power plant to meet growing electricity demand, a government official told Reuters.

With a population of about 10 million, the UAE seeks to diversify its economy and attract foreign investment through low-carbon energy. The first plant, built by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) under a $20 billion contract, began operation in 2021.

Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE’s Ambassador to Austria and UN nuclear representative, indicated that the government is exploring a second nuclear plant, with potential bids from China, Russia, the US, and others, but has not yet finalised the tendering process.

Due to projected population growth and industrial expansion, the UAE expects a significant increase in electricity use over the next decade.

While no budget or site has been determined, a tender might be issued this year. The existing Barakah plant, with a capacity of 5,600 megawatts from four reactors, is run by KEPCO and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company.

The UAE emphasises that its nuclear programme is peaceful and aims to reduce oil reliance, avoid uranium enrichment, and eliminate weapons potential. The UAE, a close US security partner, signed a nuclear energy co-operation agreement with Washington in 2009 and buys reactor fuel from the international market.