So far, more than 1500 local companies have been awarded contracts worth $3.8bn for work related to the Barakah NPP under construction in the United Arab Emirates, plant developer Nawah Energy Company announced on last week. These include Emirates Steel, National Cement, Dubai Cable Company, National Marine Dredging Company, Western Bainoona Group, and Hilalco, among others. Nawah’s strategy is to support the growth of a local supply chain that can meet the operational, spare part, and consumable needs of construction and operation at the Barakah plant for at least the next 60 years.

Nawah’s parent company, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), which organised a supplier forum to help develop the local supply chain, said its industrial development team works with these firms to ensure their standards meet nuclear energy project requirements. This has resulted in new contracts with Enec and its subsidiaries for the local firms, and has “created opportunities to broaden their customer base by entering the international market for supplying goods and services to the global nuclear industry”, Enec said in a statement.

Enec CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi  said: “The UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme is already supporting many strategic sectors through the enhancement of local businesses, the development of new industries, and the creation of high-value jobs.” He added: “By supporting the growth and development of a local supply chain, Enec is not only ensuring the future sustainability of the UAE peaceful nuclear programme, but contributing to the UAE’s economic diversification and transition to a knowledge-based economy, in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan.”

Photo: Enec supplier forum (Credit: Enec)