Westinghouse Electric Co. dedicated a new branch office in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week to facilitate the company’s role in developing the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program at Barakah, in the western region of Abu Dhabi.
Westinghouse and its parent company, Toshiba Power Systems Co., will use the office to promote the benefits of safe, clean and reliable nuclear energy throughout the Middle East.
During the office’s opening ceremony, Westinghouse Senior Vice President of New Plants and Major Projects Jeff Benjamin praised the UAE for its forward-looking energy and economic policies.
“The UAE’s decision to move forward with a comprehensive nuclear energy program is universally accepted as a role model for other nations and regions committed to energy independence,” Benjamin said.
Westinghouse serves as a U.S. subcontractor to the Korea Electric Power Company (KEPCO), the prime contractor to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). KEPCO provides plant components, including reactor coolant pumps and control equipment, and licensing and training services for ENEC’s four nuclear power units under construction at Barakah, the first of which is scheduled to open in 2017.
Benjamin said the new office will help to improve Westinghouse’s relationships with the ENEC, KEPCO and other UAE energy infrastructure stakeholders.
“We intend to work closely with the entire Barakah project team to ensure the highest levels of long-term safety and project success in all areas, including new plant delivery, fuel, service and training,” Benjamin said.
