The U.A.E.'s nuclear regulator issued an operating license for the first unit of the Arab world's first nuclear power plant (NPP), Bakarah, a senior official announced on Monday.
The license, to run for 60 years, was granted for the plant's operator Nawah Energy Company, Hamad Al Kaabi, deputy chairman of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, said during a news conference in Abu Dhabi.
'Nawah will now complete its final preparations in advance of commencing the safe loading of the first fuel assemblies into the reactor vessel of unit 1, which is the first stage in the start-up process for operations,' Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation said in a statement.
The start-up of the Barakah NPP, which was slated for 2017 following the start of construction in 2012, was postponed due to delays in meeting safety and regulatory conditions.
When completed, the plant will have four reactors with a total capacity of 5,600 megawatts and once all reactors are up and running, the plant will supply up to 25% of the U.A.E.'s electricity needs.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
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