Introduction
Nuclear plants are powerful sources of energy. Despite the danger, they pose and the cost of failure that the world has paid not once the world still continues to use atomic power. This year, UAE prepares to commission the first reactor of the Barakah nuclear power plant with the rest three being ready by 2020 (Langton, 2018). In light of this, it is paramount to review the details about the plant and assess its significance.
Nuclear Plants Construction
In 2009, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) issued a $20 billion grant to the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) that was chosen to construct a nuclear powerplant 50 kilometers west of Ruwais. The construction of the first reactor began in 2012 and initially was scheduled to end in 2017. However, there were allegations of the terrorist attack against a plant that was the reason for failing to meet the construction deadline (“Update 1-Yemen’s Houthi group says,” 2017). Presently, the first reactor is complete and now undergoes testing and accreditation.
Reasons for Construction
The reasons for construction are energy concerns. The newest pressurized water reactor is capable of producing a safe and stable flow of energy. As electricity demand steadily rises in UAE, new sources of power are required to satisfy them. In addition, UAE wants to decrease its dependence on oil and gas. Currently, nearly 100% of electricity is produced through the use of natural gas. Despite the fact that it is relatively cheap and non-damaging to the environment, its resources are limited, and a more sustainable solution is needed. A reactor that is currently being built in the UAE will supply 1400 MW of power for more than 60 years (World Nuclear Association, 2017).
Positive and Negative Effects of Nuclear Plant Construction
On the one hand, the construction of a nuclear reactor is a benefit. It will allow receiving lots of energy and start exporting natural gas rather than burning it. It will also increase the energy pool and will bring UAE closer to 100% sustainable energy use.
On the other hand, nuclear energy is rather costly. Maintenance and supply of power elements are very expensive for the reactors of PWR type. In addition, PWRs are the old-generation design plants that do not allow converting it to a cheaper and reliable fast neutron reactor that is powered by cheaper and less enriched fuel.
Environmental Policy
Before commissioning, the plant or its reactors must be tested and acquire an operating license from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). This organization assesses the environmental impact of the plant, its safety, and stability. UAE government exercises the policy aimed at establishing purely sustainable energy sources in order to adapt to the world beyond fossil fuel. As such, Barakah nuclear power plant is one of the achievements of the National Grid project aimed to reduce consumption of non-renewable energy.
Personal Opinion about Nuclear Plants
I admire the effort of using nuclear energy as it is one of the most reliable and powerful sources. Despite past and recent failures such as Chernobyl and Fukushima, the technology continues to advance and is already one of the safest and environmentally friendly electricity generators. I believe that in 2020, when the fourth reactor is commissioned, UAE and its strategic partners will realize the benefits of this technology and continue to further develop nuclear energy.
References
Langton, J. (2018). UAE’s first nuclear power plant marks ‘significant milestone’ in construction. The National. Web.
Update 1-Yemen’s Houthi group says fires missile toward Abu Dhabi nuclear reactor. (2017). Reuters. Web.
World Nuclear Association. (2017). Nuclear power in the United Arab Emirates. Web.