Green Light for Korean-Style Nuclear Power Export... UAE Barakah Unit 1 Operation Begins

The Arab Region's First Commercial Nuclear Power Plant... Based on Korea's Independent Technology APR1400
Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Begins Commercial Operation, Expected to Serve as a Foothold for Overseas Orders

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Sejong=Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Haeyoung] With the successful commencement of commercial operation of the first Barakah nuclear power unit in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which was Korea's first export, a green light has been lit for the overseas export of Korean-style nuclear power plants. It is evaluated that not only Korea's decades of accumulated nuclear technology but also its overseas nuclear power project capabilities have been recognized. Attention is focused on whether the start of commercial operation of the Barakah nuclear power plant can serve as a foothold in the ongoing nuclear power plant bidding competitions in the Czech Republic and Poland.

According to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on the 9th, the first UAE nuclear power unit recently began commercial operation. This followed successful fuel loading in March last year, initial criticality in July, and the successful completion of power ascension tests and performance guarantee tests.

This project is the first overseas nuclear power project constructing four units (5,600 megawatts) of the export-type nuclear power plant ‘APR1400’ independently developed by Korea. KEPCO, as the main contractor, oversees the entire project and participates as a joint venture partner with the UAE Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) for long-term operation. Domestic companies are also involved throughout the project, including design (Korea Electric Power Technology), manufacturing (Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction), construction (Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung C&T), and commissioning and operational support (Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power).

The Barakah nuclear power unit 1, the first commercial nuclear power plant in the Arab region, is based on the APR1400 reactor type developed with Korea's independent technology and reinforced to reflect the environmental specificities of the UAE climate. KEPCO began full-scale construction starting with obtaining construction permits for units 1 and 2 in July 2012.

A KEPCO official stated, "We plan to successfully complete the project with all our capabilities, from the construction of units 2 to 4, through commissioning, to operation."

Currently, Korea-UAE nuclear cooperation spans the entire nuclear power cycle, including design, construction, operation, nuclear fuel, and maintenance. The UAE nuclear power plant is expected to serve as a stable baseload power source domestically, and once all four units enter commercial operation, they will account for 25% of the UAE's total power demand. It is also expected to reduce carbon emissions by 21 million tons annually (equivalent to reducing exhaust emissions from 3.2 million vehicles).

The start of commercial operation of Barakah unit 1 has also raised expectations for additional overseas exports of Korean-style nuclear power plants. Korean companies plan to prove domestic nuclear technology through Barakah and focus all efforts on winning new nuclear power projects in Dukovany, Czech Republic, and Poland. Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom, and Egypt are also mentioned as potential markets.

In particular, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) is striving to participate in the El Dabaa nuclear power project in Egypt, which is being constructed by Russia. Last month, KHNP President Jung Jae-hoon visited Egypt and signed a cooperation agreement with Petrojet, a local construction public enterprise, securing a foundation for project participation. Construction of the El Dabaa nuclear power plant is set to begin in earnest next year, and KHNP is competing to win contracts for turbine building, outdoor facility design, procurement, and construction.

The Korean government is also supporting overseas nuclear power exports. Last month, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy formed a ‘Nuclear Power Export Advisory Committee’ composed of private experts in nuclear power, international trade, diplomacy, and security to explore export issues and next-generation export strategies. Additionally, a ‘Nuclear Power Export Information and Support System’ has been established to support exports for small and medium-sized enterprises related to nuclear power. Cooperation with major nuclear power exporting countries supports the export of nuclear power equipment and parts by Korean SMEs and seeks new export strategies in preparation for the advent of next-generation and small modular reactor markets.

A KEPCO official emphasized, "With the commencement of commercial operation of Barakah unit 1, Korea's nuclear technology and overseas nuclear project management capabilities have been proven worldwide," adding, "It is expected to become a second foothold for overseas nuclear power exports in emerging nuclear power markets."