The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp. (ENEC) and the Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO) said they have reached an electrical transmission agreement this week.
This connection and interface agreement (C&IA) will enable the future Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi to deliver electricity to the United Arab Emirates grid.
ENEC said that with this agreement in place, it can initiate the energization process that consists of safety tests of new electrical equipment, an important step for the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program.
“This is a pivotal agreement and the result of hard work and a close collaboration between ENEC and TRANSCO,” ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said. “Close working partnerships and relationships with our stakeholders are vital components for the success of ENEC’s program and for the organization to continue to deliver each milestone of the UAE peaceful nuclear energy program safely and to the highest international standards of quality. Thanks to TRANSCO’s singular expertise, we are progressing efficiently and in a focused manner and have been able to sign the C&IA agreement that will allow for the nuclear energy plants in Barakah to safely supply the UAE with clean, reliable and sustainable electricity to power the nation.”
The Barakah nuclear plant is expected to be completed in 2020 pending regulatory approval.