UAE set up nuclear power body, to name builder soon

ABU DHABI (Reuters) – The United Arab Emirates set up a body on Wednesday to run its burgeoning nuclear programme to produce electricity, which is expected to award the region’s largest-ever energy deals soon, state media reported.

A decree by President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahayan established the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the state news agency WAM said.

“ENEC is now in the final stages of negotiating with teams of contractors who are bidding to design, build and help operate the plants. Actual construction … will commence in 2012,” WAM said, adding that a prime contractor would be chosen shortly.

The multibillion dollar contract is expected to be the largest ever energy contract awarded in the Middle East.

Reuters