The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has signed an agreement that paves the way for transmission of power generated from nuclear plants to the national grid.

The connection and interface agreement (C&IA), signed with the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (Transco), establishes a contractual operating framework between the two entities that will allow for the electricity generated from Enec’s four nuclear energy units located in Barakah to be transmitted over Transco’s power lines to the UAE grid.

“The C&IA agreement allows for the nuclear energy plants in Barakah to safely supply the UAE with clean, reliable and sustainable electricity to power the nation,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, Enec CEO.

The agreement allows Enec to prepare for the energisation of the switchyard, which is an important milestone for the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme and the delivery of the four nuclear energy reactors.

“The energisation of an electrical infrastructure is a safety test performed under the supervision of qualified experts to examine new electric equipment and verify its conformity to regulatory requirements,” a company statement said. “This important phase allows the equipment to be energised and for testing to be performed. Once the equipment is deemed satisfactory for normal service, the equipment is turned over to the system operator for normal service.”

Mohammed Bin Jarsh, CEO, Transco, remarked: “We are pleased to support Enec in what is a strategically important development for the UAE. Finalising the connection and interface agreement is a milestone event that signifies the commitment of Transco to this project and its objectives.”

Unit One at Barakah is currently over 84 per cent complete, while Unit Two   has reached 64 per cent completion, Unit Three 41 per cent and Unit Four 25 per cent.

All four units and the associated subsidiary buildings are now over 58 per cent complete and, pending regulatory approval, the four nuclear energy units are scheduled to be operative in 2020.