The United Arab Emirates: First nuclear power plant in the Arab world

The United Arab Emirates: First nuclear power plant in the Arab world The United Arab Emirates is the first country in the Arab world to obtain electricity from its own nuclear power plant. It shouldn't be the only thing. According to its own statement, the United Arab Emirates was the first country in the Arab region to put a nuclear power plant into operation. The country is successfully operating the "first peaceful nuclear reactor in the Arab world," said Emirati Vice President and Emir of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktum. In the long term, the country which has around ten million inhabitants wants to cover a quarter of its energy requirements with the nuclear power plant and its four reactors. The Baraka nuclear power plant is located in the west of the Emirates on the coast of the Persian Gulf and not far from the border with neighbouring Saudi Arabia. The construction work for the four nuclear reactors started in 2012, led by the South Korean state company KEPCO. According to the Emirates  the contract; worth 20 billion dollars (18.5 billion euros);  includes not only the construction but also the training of employees and the operation of the 1400 megawatt plant. According to the state-owned energy company ENEC; the first block will be ready for connection to the power grid in a few weeks and then supply households and companies. The Emirates wanted to emit 21 million tons less carbon dioxide each year, the state-run news agency WAM reported.

The Emirates are among the richest countries in the world

  The Emirates are among the richest countries in the world thanks to their income from the oil and gas business. Despite the large resources; a sunny country is trying to cover domestic energy needs by other means. In the Abu Dhabi area for example;  one of the largest solar systems in the world went into operation last summer. The Emirates began its peaceful use of the nuclear energy program in 2009. Neighbouring Saudi Arabia is also driving the expansion of nuclear power. The kingdom plans to build up to 16 reactors over the next 20 years. In Iran;  which is located in the region but is not Arabic; there is also one kilometer;  the Bushehr nuclear power plant in the south of the country. You might also be interested in:

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