The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has applied to the UAE’s nuclear regulator for a licence to build a third and fourth nuclear reactor in the western region of Abu Dhabi.

Enec, which is building the nuclear plants in Abu Dhabi, has already received approval to build two nuclear reactors, and is now seeking to gain approval for the third and fourth.

In August last year, Enec signed contracts worth a total of $3bn with six international companies, including Russia’s Tenex and France’s Areva, to supply nuclear fuel and conversion and enrichment services for the four reactors being developed in Abu Dhabi. Each of the four planned reactors will produce 1,400MW of electricity.

The nuclear plants have been designed and are being developed by a South Korean consortium, comprised of Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), Hyundai Engineering & Construction and Samsung Corporation. The consortium was awarded the estimated $40bn deal to build the four plants in late 2009.