31 May 2013
Construction of the UAE’s second nuclear reactor has begun, as part of plans to diversify the oil-rich nation’s energy mix, announced Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) on Tuesday.
State-owned Korea Electric Power Corp will build four 1,400-megawatt reactors in a $20 billion plant located west of Abu Dhabi, according to state news agency WAM.
Work on the first reactor began last year and four are planned to enter service by 2020 after receiving further regulatory approvals.
"With the construction of our second [nuclear unit] now underway, we have reached another important milestone in our mission to bring safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy to the UAE," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC Chief Executive.
The project will save the UAE 12,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
Saudi Arabia invested $100 billion in nuclear power and plans to build 16 reactors by 2030.
More here
