The United Arab Emirates has taken a significant leap towards fulfilling a quarter of its electricity requirements with the successful start-up of the fourth reactor at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This milestone, announced by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), brings the UAE closer to generating 25% of its electricity needs through nuclear power, marking a major advancement in the nation’s energy sector.
Operated by ENEC’s subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company, the commencement of Unit 4’s operations is a crucial step towards its commercial activation. The reactor has initiated heat production through nuclear fission, a process that will soon contribute to electricity generation by powering turbines with steam. The imminent phase includes connecting Unit 4 to the national grid and undergoing extensive testing to reach its full power capacity.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, the CEO of ENEC, emphasized the significance of this development, stating, “The start-up of the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a significant achievement as we now enter into a new era to deliver the full promise of the Barakah Plant.” Barakah is recognized as the first multi-unit operational nuclear facility in the Arab world, comprising four APR-1400 pressurized water reactors, each capable of producing up to 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity.
The commissioning of each unit at the Barakah Plant has been progressively efficient, showcasing the advantages of accumulated experience and institutional knowledge in nuclear energy development. For instance, Unit 3 was operational four months quicker than Unit 2, and five months ahead of Unit 1’s schedule.
Al Hammadi also noted the substantial impact of the Barakah Plant on the UAE’s clean electricity generation, contributing 75% of the total clean energy added in the country over the past five years. This achievement underscores the pivotal role of nuclear energy in the UAE’s decarbonization strategy.
Upon the completion of testing and the start of commercial operations, Unit 4 will elevate the total capacity of the Barakah Plant to 5,600 megawatts. This capacity will enable the plant to fulfill 25% of the UAE’s electricity demand, significantly aiding the nation’s efforts to achieve its Net Zero by 2050 target. Furthermore, the Barakah Plant is set to contribute a quarter of the UAE’s carbon-reduction commitments under the United Nation’s Paris Agreement, solidifying its commitment to global climate change goals.
