ABU DHABI // More than 55 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s first nuclear reactor at Barakah, in the Western Region, is complete, said the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.

The government body released exclusive video footage to The National showing the work completed so far.

International nuclear energy experts have called the work carried out at Barakah impressive in both quality and safety.

“On-time and on-budget advancement of the construction work in the Barakah nuclear plant is yet another successful milestone of the UAE’s well-thought plans,” said Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“After more than five years since the start-up of the UAE programme it is quite an achievement for the UAE, and the global nuclear sector, to be able to advance to such a stage in a steady and quality manner.”

Last November, Kristine Svinicki of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission toured the site where the country’s first nuclear plants were being built.

“The UAE indeed has an inspiring story to tell about their nuclear energy project,” Ms Svinicki said at the time. “It truly makes it a model for other nations to follow.”

Fahad Al Qahtani, Enec’s External Communications Director, said the body was hoping to pour concrete for Unit 4 next year, pending regulatory approval.

“2016 would also be the arrival and installation of the first fuel load,” said Mr Al Qahtani. “We are happy and proud that it is happening and it is on schedule.”

Construction of Barakah Unit 2 is under way, with an entry into commercial operation scheduled in 2018.

Enec plans to apply for an operating licence for the first two reactors in 2017.

With four plants operational by 2020, nuclear energy is expected to deliver up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, saving up to 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.

cmalek@thenational.ae