The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) in the United Arab Emeirates (UAE) on 9 February signed a Connection and Interface Agreement (C&IA) with the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (Transco).

The agreement establishes a contractual operating framework which will allow electricity generated from Enec's four nuclear units under construction in Barakah to be transmitted over Transco's power lines to the UAE grid.

"Close working partnerships and relationships with our stakeholders are vital components for the success of Enec's programme and for the organisation to continue to deliver each milestone of the UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme safely and to the highest international standards of quality, said Enec CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi.

The agreement will enable Enec to supply power to the switchyard and undertake safety tests. Energisation and associated testing will verify the conformity of electrical equipment at the station with regulatory requirements. Unit 1 is more than 84% complete, unit 2 64%, unit 3 41% and unit 4 25% complete. All four units South Korean APR-1400 reactors and the associated subsidiary buildings are now over 58% complete and, pending regulatory approval, are scheduled for operation in 2020.