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UAE preparing second nuclear power plant, sources say

The United Arab Emirates will tender quickly for the building and construction of a new nuclear power plant that would double the variety of the little Gulf state's. nuclear reactors, 3 sources knowledgeable about the matter said.

The UAE, a U.S. security partner, ended up being the very first Arab. state to operate a nuclear reactor when in 2021 it opened in. the South Korean-built Barakah center in Abu Dhabi.

The UAE plans to look for bids this year, possibly within the. next few months, to construct 4 brand-new reactors, the sources with. direct knowledge of the matter stated, asking for anonymity to. discuss details that are still personal.

The sources stated the UAE intends to award the tender and start. building and construction as quickly as this year so that the new plant would be. operational by 2032 in order to meet projected energy requirements.

The tender would be open to any potential bidders, consisting of. U.S., Chinese and Russian companies, the sources stated, adding that. South Korea would not be treated as a favored bidder.

Inquired about prepare for a 2nd plant, the Federal Authority. for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) stated it was prepared to review and. issue the required licences and regulations that would be. required when and if the government decides to construct new plants.

The UAE energy ministry referred to FANR for. comment.

State-owned Emirates Atomic Energy Co (ENEC), which owns. the Barakah nuclear reactor, did not immediately respond to. an ask for remark. The UAE federal government media office also did. not immediately react when requested for comment.

The UAE, which signed an atomic energy cooperation arrangement. with the U.S. in 2009, says its nuclear program is serene. and entirely for energy purposes to decrease its reliance on oil.

It was one of the nations that signed an arrangement at the. United Nations environment conference held in Dubai late last year. to triple global atomic energy output over the next three. years.

In other places in the Middle East, Egypt is establishing its very first. nuclear plant, built by Russia. Saudi Arabia has ambitions for a. civilian nuclear program but has actually declined so far to sign a. cooperation arrangement with the U.S. that would obstruct the Gulf. state from enriching uranium.

The South Korean-built Barakah nuclear reactor, situated. in Abu Dhabi on the coast towards Saudi Arabia and Qatar, is. anticipated to provide a quarter of the nation's electrical power.

The fourth and final reactor of the Barakah plant is due to. start commercial operations this year, bringing the nuclear. power plant to complete operating capability.

Locations under consideration for the brand-new nuclear plant. consist of a coastal site nearer to the border with Saudi Arabia,. sources said.

It could likewise be built better to the existing plant at. Barakah, they stated.