Abu Dhabi: The UAE’s path to nuclear energy continues to march on successfully after the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) on Thursday announced new significant construction milestones for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, including the connection of reactors three and four to the UAE’s electricity transmission grid.

The connection of units three and four to the transmission grid is a prerequisite for future testing and allows for the completion of additional auxiliary buildings at both units.

Enec also said they completed the energisation of unit two’s main power transformer, excitation transformer and unit auxiliary power transformers, which will allow for the start of hot functional testing.

“These milestones are a result of our extensive collaboration with our prime contractor and joint venture partner, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO),” said Mohammad Al Hammadi, Enec chief executive officer. “Working together and benefiting from the experience gained when conducting the same work on unit one, the teams continue to make significant progress while continuing to implement the highest international standards of safety, security and quality,” he added.

Al Hammadi said the nuclear power plant was now 85 per cent complete.

“I am proud of the continued adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety displayed by our teams here in Barakah, the largest nuclear construction site in the world.

“Their commitment and dedication is a key factor in the continued construction of this strategic project that will power the growth of the UAE, and which is now more than 85 per cent complete,” he said.