Westinghouse Electric opens Abu Dhabi office to aid UAE energy program

Westinghouse Electric Co. formally dedicated a new branch office on Sunday in Abu Dhabi to fulfill its obligation toward the United Arab Emirates' peaceful nuclear energy program.

The office will work closely with its parent company, Toshiba Corp., to facilitate the development of safe nuclear energy in the region through the Barakah nuclear power plant, which is expected to begin operations in 2017. The move is expected to strengthen Westinghouse's ties with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. (ENEC) and Korea Electric Power Co. (KEPCO).

“An important factor in the UAE’s decision to pursue peaceful nuclear energy was the opportunity for the development of a new industrial sector here in the UAE; and the establishment of new regional hubs for major industry players such as Westinghouse is evidence of the flourishing nuclear energy sector that is emerging here as a result of our program,” ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said. "Westinghouse plays an important role in the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program through our Prime Contract with KEPCO, and we congratulate them on the opening of their new Middle Eastern headquarters here in Abu Dhabi.”

Westinghouse Electric Co. is based in the U.S. and specializes in the construction and development of nuclear power plants and other aspects relating to nuclear energy.