U.A.E. Completes First of Four Korean-Built Nuclear Reactors

  • Barakah Unit 1 to load fuel in May: Korean energy ministry
  • Reactor is Arab world’s first; Saudis also want atomic plants

Units 1 and 2 of the Barakah nuclear energy plant site.

Source: Arun Girija/ENEC
Lock
This article is for subscribers only.

The United Arab Emirates, with help from Korea Electric Power Corp., finished building the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear reactor, a milestone in the oil-rich U.A.E.’s effort to curb its reliance on fossil fuels and develop cleaner sources of energy.

Unit 1 of the Barakah complex plans to begin loading fuel in May, South Korea’s energy ministry said in an emailed statement. South Korean President Moon Jae-in attended a ceremony on Monday to celebrate the facility’s completion, the U.A.E.’s official WAM news agency reported.