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The recent agreement between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marks a significant step in their bilateral relationship, solidifying a commitment to peaceful nuclear cooperation. The pact, signed during the visit of Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, to India, signifies a historic first in the Arab world, with the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) poised to play a crucial role in operating and maintaining the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE.
The Barakah plant, located in Al Dhafra along the Arabian Gulf, represents a pioneering endeavor for the Arab world. It boasts four Advanced Power Reactor (APR)-1400 pressurized water reactors, each capable of generating 1,400 MW of clean electricity. The plant is expected to contribute significantly to the UAE's energy needs, providing 25% of its electricity for the next six decades. This ambitious project, built by Korea Electric Power Corporation for $20 billion, has achieved full-fleet operations with the fourth reactor entering commercial service on September 5th, 2023.
The recent agreement between NPCIL and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) for the operation and maintenance of Barakah, while groundbreaking, is rooted in a commitment made in 2015 during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to the UAE. This commitment focused on fostering cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy, encompassing areas like safety, health, agriculture, science, and technology. This latest agreement, therefore, represents a concrete manifestation of this earlier commitment.
The agreement aligns with the UAE's strategic focus on expanding its investments in the nuclear energy sector. While NPCIL operates under India's Department of Atomic Energy, ENEC is entirely owned by the UAE government through Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company PJSC. This shared commitment to nuclear energy as a vital energy source is expected to yield significant benefits for both nations.
The MoU between NPCIL and ENEC promises to foster deeper cooperation in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants. It also includes provisions for sourcing nuclear goods and services from India, exploring mutual investment opportunities, and enhancing capacity building in the sector. This comprehensive approach signifies a long-term partnership in the nuclear energy domain.
The signing of this agreement underscores the growing significance of civil nuclear cooperation on the global stage. Such partnerships facilitate the peaceful sharing of nuclear technology, encompassing areas like energy production, regulatory and safety protocols, nuclear fuel supply, and ensuring global non-proliferation. India's civil nuclear program, focused on generating electricity and other peaceful uses, has already witnessed similar partnerships with leading nations like the US, France, Japan, and Russia. This agreement further strengthens India's position as a key player in the global nuclear energy landscape, showcasing its leadership in promoting the responsible and peaceful utilization of this technology.