The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that the third reactor of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has started commercial operations, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to diversify its energy sources and reduce carbon emissions.
The Barakah plant is the first multi-unit operating plant in the Arab world and has already powered more than 80% of Abu Dhabi’s clean electricity consumption in December 2022. With the addition of the third reactor, the plant’s total production has been boosted to 4,200MW for the UAE national grid, adding 1,400MW of zero-carbon-emission electricity.
The announcement of the plant’s commercial operations comes after a series of tests and evaluations were conducted by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) to ensure the safety and reliability of the reactor.
In addition to providing clean electricity, the Barakah plant is expected to create numerous economic benefits for the UAE, including job creation and the development of a skilled workforce. The plant is also expected to contribute to the country’s energy security and help reduce its dependence on fossil fuels.
The UAE has been a pioneer in the development of nuclear energy in the region and has set a goal of generating 50% of its energy from clean sources by 2050. The Barakah plant is a significant step towards achieving this goal and demonstrates the country’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.
“The commercial operation of Unit 3 of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is another major achievement which is the result of significant efforts made over the past years since the establishment of the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme. During that period, FANR reviewed the nuclear power plant in terms of site selection, construction, testing and finally operation to ensure the operator complies with all regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of the public and the environment,” said Christer Viktorsson, Director-General, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
The successful operation of the Barakah plant has also garnered international attention and praise, with experts hailing it as a milestone achievement in the global effort to transition towards clean energy. The UAE’s leadership in nuclear energy development is likely to inspire other countries to follow suit and invest in this critical area of sustainable energy production.
“With three units now operating commercially, we are delivering energy security, powering sustainable economic growth, driving innovation, and contributing to achieving our Net Zero strategy by 2050. We look forward to showcasing just how critical nuclear is in tackling climate change, using proven solutions available today, at COP28 in the UAE in November.”
The start of commercial operations for the third reactor at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a significant achievement for the UAE and a major step towards achieving the country’s clean energy goals. The plant’s success is a testament to the country’s commitment to sustainable energy and a shining example of what can be achieved through visionary leadership and strategic investment in critical infrastructure.
