UAE's nuclear plant construction raises concerns over builder expertise and supply chain reliability

In 2009, the United Arab Emirates initiated a significant program aimed at constructing the Arab world's first nuclear power plant. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, located in the Gharbiya region, became a monumental project for the UAE, showcasing impressive progress in nuclear energy development. Following a careful bidding process, the UAE selected a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to undertake the construction of the plant, which features four APR-1400 nuclear reactors. Construction officially began in 2012, and by late 2018, the first reactor was completed, entering service in 2020. The entire project reached completion in September 2024, when the fourth reactor started commercial operations. An essential aspect of this endeavor was the establishment of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), which played a crucial role in developing regulatory policies that adhered to the stringent standards set forth by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The timeline was tight, as it took more than two years for FANR to publish its nuclear regulations before the operator could obtain the necessary construction license. This regulatory body had to build itself from the ground up and collect expertise and technical support throughout the process, ensuring that it was adequately prepared to review and approve the construction license effectively. Experts emphasized that the transparency of the UAE government with local communities during this project fostered a cooperative environment. The strong safety protocols practiced on-site were also highlighted. Medical centers, recreational facilities, and accommodations provided for the labor force contributed to a high standard of health and safety. Furthermore, the key factors that led to the project's rapid advancement were attributed to the clear government policy leadership and excellent program management, as well as the choice of a contractor with a mature supply chain and significant experience in nuclear construction. In analyzing whether a country like Australia could replicate such success in a similar timeframe, it was noted that Australia possesses an existing nuclear regulatory framework. Although Australia has a highly unionized workforce, experts underscored that the regulatory knowledge and experience possessed would support the establishment of a nuclear power facility. They asserted that adopting IAEA’s standards would also be beneficial for Australia. All considered, it appears feasible for Australia to implement a nuclear program and potentially generate the first nuclear electricity within 10 to 12 years, taking the UAE's project as an insightful example.