An aerial view of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the UAE. [Yonhap News Photo]

A drone attack caused a fire at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant complex in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is being built and operated by Korean companies including Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the Abu Dhabi government's media office said on January 17 (local time).

The media office announced, "A fire occurred due to a drone attack at a generator located outside the inner perimeter of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region, and emergency response was initiated."

It added that no casualties have been reported so far due to the fire, and it has been confirmed that there is no impact on radiation safety levels. The UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) stated that all core systems of the nuclear power plant are operating normally.

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is the first commercial nuclear power plant in the Middle East, constructed in Abu Dhabi by exporting KEPCO's next-generation nuclear reactor model (APR1400), developed with its own technology. Since the contract in 2009, all four units (totaling 5,600 MW) have been in full commercial operation since April 2024, currently producing about 25% of the UAE's total electricity demand.

According to the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and KEPCO, there have been no confirmed casualties among the Korean staff working at the nuclear power plant.

Currently, Korean employees from KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and domestic partner companies are staying at the site.

A KEPCO official stated, "There were no casualties, and it has been determined that there was no damage to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant."

The official added, "It appears that the fire occurred at another power facility on the outskirts, not a direct attack on the nuclear power plant we manage and operate. We heard that upon hearing about an attack, the safe operation of one of the nuclear reactors was temporarily suspended."

According to another official, some of the local staff have reportedly switched to remote work.

UAE authorities have not commented on the entity responsible for this drone attack.

This drone attack incident occurred amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Even during the ceasefire period, sporadic drone and missile attacks, suspected to be carried out by Iran, have been occurring in the UAE.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expressed concern over this drone attack, citing a threat to nuclear safety.

The IAEA stated on X (formerly Twitter) that "Director General Rafael Grossi expressed serious concern about this incident and stated that military activities that threaten nuclear safety are unacceptable."

It also added, "We have received information from the UAE side that radiation levels at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant remain normal and no injuries have been reported."