• The development of nuclear energy supports the UAEs energy diversification strategy
  • New HQ streamlines ENEC and Nawahs corporate functions into one location

Abu Dhabi, UAE 26 June 2016

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its operating subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), commemorated the move to new headquarters in Masdar City with an inaugural ceremony attended by H.E Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, and employees from across both companies.

The move to Masdar City has a clear synergy for ENECs mission and vision to deliver safe, clean and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE. ENEC is committed to powering the future growth and prosperity of the UAE through sustainable energy: a goal that aligns with Masdar Citys purpose and vision.

Following the inaugural ceremony, ENECs CEO, H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi said: Since its inception, ENEC has been delivering the UAEs first nuclear energy plant safely and steadily and we continue to move closer to providing the UAE with clean and sustainable energy, saving up to 12 million tons in carbon emissions every year. Masdar City, and the renewable energy that powers its facilities, are other examples of how the UAE continues to pursue clean and sustainable forms of energy following the leaderships innovative decision to diversify the nations supply.

Masdar City holds many opportunities beyond its great facilities as we continue to grow as a company. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology lies at the heart of the city and we look forward to working with educators and students to promote opportunities created by the UAEs peaceful nuclear energy program, added Al Hammadi.

H.E. Eng. Mohammed Sahoo AlSuwaidi, Acting CEO of Nawah, added, As the recently established operating company for the UAE peaceful nuclear energy program, Nawah will continue to work closely with ENEC, building on the momentum already laid for operational readiness of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Having our established headquarters with ENEC in Masdar City, strengthens our alliance and shared goal to provide the UAEs electricity needs with sustainable nuclear energy.

Masdar City, which broke ground in 2008, is one of the worlds most sustainable urban developments. Located next to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Masdar City also hosts the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the worlds first graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies the headquarters of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), as well as a growing business community, from multinational companies to dynamic start-up enterprises.

Masdar City is home to the regions largest cluster of certified high-performance buildings, including the Estidama 4 Pearl development that will house ENECs new headquarters. The building, the first to achieve a 4 Pearl rating under Abu Dhabis green building standards, uses 64 per cent less energy and consumes 75 percent less water than standard buildings in Abu Dhabi.

Commenting on the relocation of ENECs headquarters to Masdar City, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said: As a hub for energy, research and clean-tech companies, Masdar City is delighted to host the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, providing a strong base to support its strategic mandate to deliver safe, secure and reliable energy to the UAE as part of a diversified energy mix, and to further the UAEs economic diversification. ENEC joins a growing community of public, private and non-profit organisations at Masdar City, and its substantial workforce will contribute to the life and dynamism of the city greatly.

The construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant commenced in 2012 and all four nuclear reactors will be operational in 2020. At its full operational capacity, the facility will deliver up to a quarter of the UAEs electricity needs and save up to 12 million tons in carbon emissions every year.

The project at Barakah is progressing steadily, Unit 1 is now more than 88 percent complete, Unit 2 is 72 percent complete, Unit 3 is 50 percent complete and Unit 4 is 31 percent complete. Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now more than 65 percent complete. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing.

-Ends-

About ENEC
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is working to deliver safe, clean, efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the United Arab Emirates - energy that is needed to support the UAEs social and economic growth.

Established by decree in December 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, ENEC specializes in the deployment, ownership and operation of peaceful nuclear energy plants within the UAE.  The UAE peaceful nuclear energy program will provide the UAE with emissions-free electricity to power the future growth of the nation.

Driven by a Culture of Safety, ENECs overriding priority is ensuring the safety of the UAE community, employees and the environment.

About Nawah
A wholly-owned ENEC subsidiary, Nawah has been mandated to safely operate and maintain Units 1 to 4 in Barakah in adherence to the highest standards of safety, security, quality, and to the UAEs commitment of operational transparency.

For more information, visit www.enec.gov.ae.

Media Contact:
enec@fourcommunications.com
media@enec.gov.ae

Press Release 2016