French industrial giants Total, Suez and Areva are planning to propose the construction of a nuclear power plant in the United Arab Emirates.
The three companies have signed a partnership agreement to submit a project to the authorities in the UAE. Both Total and Suez have extensive experience in the power sector of the UAE.
Although no invitation for bids has been made by the UAE, the companies are aware of the country’s desire to build nuclear capacity and “want to be ready” when plans are formally announced, according to a Suez spokesperson.
The proposal will include two 1600 MW EPRs and fuel cycle products and services. Areva would be responsible for the nuclear islands and complete fuel chain, Total would provide its expertise in managing complex major industrial projects while Suez would contribute its expertise as a nuclear power plant operator.
The UAE is considering the construction of nuclear power capacity and is aiming to have units on-line by 2016, according to Suez. Electricity generation in the country is predominantly oil and gas-based with a small amount of renewable capacity.
Total and Suez are already partners in power generation and desalination in the UAE through the Taweelah plant, which produces around 20 per cent of the electricity in Dubai.
The UAE is a major hydrocarbon, industrial and financial power but remains dependent on oil revenues. The government is planning to boost oil and gas production and export capacity but also faces rapidly rising energy demand.
The construction of nuclear power plants would diversify the country’s energy mix and save indigenous resources for export.
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