Nuclear energy fundamental for UAE sustainable water and energy future

During the "Energy-Water Nexus" session, Mr. Al Hammadi presented the strategy of the UAE to diversify energy generation with the goal of achieving higher quotas of energy independence, security of supply and sustainability through initiatives such as the UAE peaceful nuclear energy program.

"The energy-water nexus is singular in the UAE," said ENEC's Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Al Hammadi. "As a major future energy source in the UAE, nuclear energy will be fundamental in providing clean electricity to power our nation's growth and provide emissions-free electricity for energy and water production."

Energy policy makers and business leaders in the energy industry attended the inaugural session of the WELS conference, which is designed to provide leaders with high-level dialogue on critical issues affecting the energy world.

"We were delighted to have the insights of ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi at our World Energy Leaders Summit here in New Delhi," said Dr. Christoph Frei Secretary General of World Energy Council. "The UAE has amazing challenges but the leadership shown by the Government of the UAE and the work of companies such as ENEC provides great examples to our energy community of what can be achieved by such a dynamic country."

Mr. Al Hammadi also spoke as Co-Chair of the Global Agenda Council of the World Economic Forum and brought forward the global energy issues related to energy and water generation.

"Water and energy are one for the UAE Government and, as such, these issues have been addressed by coordinated energy and water policies. Finding ways of balancing the demands from human and economic development with prudent management of water, energy and the environment will be a major challenge. But this challenge will also provide opportunities for more integrated policy making, international collaboration, and sustainable best practices," he said.

ENEC is working to deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE. By 2020, ENEC aims to have four APR-1400 reactors providing clean electricity to meet the nation's growing energy needs.

In July 2012, ENEC received the Construction License from FANR for Barakah Units 1 & 2, and the official construction of Barakah Unit 1 is now underway. In July 2012, ENEC poured the first safety concrete for Barakah Unit 1.

Pending further regulatory approvals, the first plant is scheduled to begin delivering electricity to the grid in 2017. The remaining three plants are scheduled to come on line in 2018, 2019 and 2020.

The World Energy Leaders' Summit is held twice a year by the World Energy Council (WEC) for its Global Energy Leaders' Community to enable an ongoing high-level dialogue on critical issues affecting the energy world. The New Delhi WELS provides an opportunity for representatives of the Government of India to exchange views with energy leaders across the world.