The construction date of four nuclear power plants in the UAE has been brought forward four months to 1 July and talks are being held regarding the creation of four additional plants reports suggest.

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is said to be holding exclusive talks with the UAE about the construction of these four additional plants with provisional completion dates set for 2021. The completion date for the first four plants is set for 2017-2020 with an estimated cost of construction, commissioning and fuel loads at $20bn.

International news source Reuters has quoted President and Chief Executive of KEPCO, Kim Joong-kyum as stating: “As far as I know, the UAE has not held talks with other countries. Our efficiency will increase as we build the first four. We will achieve cost competitiveness if the same type of reactor is chosen.

"We can shorten construction time, meaning earlier returns on investment. KEPCO has also been in talks with India, Kazakhstan, South Africa, Turkey and Vietnam over possible reactor exports, although any deals are unlikely to be signed this year.”