The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced a historic milestone for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) with the fourth unit of the Barakah NPP entering commercial operations, marking its full delivery.
The Barakah Plant is now generating 40 TWh of electricity a year, and provides up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity. “This represents the largest decarbonisation effort in the UAE and the region, positioning the country ahead of its 2030 climate commitments,” ENEC said. “The 22.4m tonnes of annual carbon emissions prevented by the Barakah plant are equivalent to removing 4.6m cars from the roads each year and contribute to achieving 24% of the nation’s 2030 decarbonisation commitments.”
Despite growing demand, consumption of natural gas for power generation is at a 13-year low in Abu Dhabi because of the significant contribution that Barakah is now making to Abu Dhabi’s energy mix. Barakah’s four APR-1400 units are also playing a key role in helping UAE companies decarbonise.
ENEC says the construction of Barakah has stimulated the creation of a new advanced industry in the UAE, boosting national studies in nuclear sciences and offering educational and training opportunities for talented Emirati youth. To date, over 2,000 highly skilled Emiratis have participated in developing the plant. During the construction phase alone, the delivery of the four units at Barakah yielded $6.7bn in local procurement, making the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme a major driver of In-Country Value.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairmanof ENEC’s Board of Directors, said: “In 2008, the UAE’s visionary leadership took a data-led, long-term approach by issuing a comprehensive policy for the development of civil nuclear energy in the UAE to transform the nation’s energy supply. As unit 4 of Barakah enters commercial operations, that vision has been realised… positioning the nation as a leader in civil nuclear development globally. This source of clean electricity will act as a magnet, attracting additional investment in the UAE by sustainably-minded, but energy intensive industries from around the globe.”
ENEC Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said the UAE has added more clean electricity per capita in the past five years than any other nation, with 75% of this coming from Barakah. “This clearly demonstrates that integrating nuclear energy into the UAE power’s mix and alongside growing renewable energy sources was the right decision, boosting energy security and establishing the UAE as a regional leader in this growing sector.… The Barakah nuclear energy plant offers a new model for the world and demonstrates that nuclear energy is bankable and can be delivered efficiently, with our units coming online within eight years from first concrete pour to fuel load and achieving a 40% improvement in schedule from start of operational readiness to commercial operations for unit 4 compared to unit 1.m…With this expertise, we are now well-positioned to advance to the next era of growth and fulfil the broader mission of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programe. ENEC is poised to partner, develop, invest in and advocate for more new nuclear projects in the UAE and overseas.”
Nasser Al Nasseri, CEO of Barakah One Company, ENEC’s joint venture subsidiary which oversees the financial and commercial interests of the Barakah Plant, said: “The certainty of power output and the inherent low volatility of pricing afforded by the Barakah plant offers a strong foundation upon which to build and grow, both for the UAE power sector and for consumers, highlighting one of the key benefits of modern nuclear energy plants.”
Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Nawah Energy Company, ENEC’s subsidiary and Barakah Plant operator said: “We are committed to ensuring that safety and compliance with the UAE’s strict regulations and high standards remains our top priority, with Nawah fully focused on safe and reliable operations and maintenance in pursuit of operational excellence. Barakah and our teams have undergone over 496 inspections from the UAE’s independent regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), over 84 World Association for Nuclear Operators (WANO) reviews and 15 missions from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards.”
Barakah is the first multi-unit operational NPP in the Arab world. Construction of the Barakah NPP began in 2011. Korea Electric Power Company (Kepco) led the consortium that is building the plant comprising four APR1400 reactors. Unit 1 was connected to the grid in 2020, followed by unit 2 in 2021 and unit 3 in 2022. Unit 1 began commercial operation in April 2021 and unit 2 in 2022 and unit 3 in 2023. Once all four units are operating at full power, they will contribute up to 25% of the UAE’s National Determined Contributions to Net Zero and be the largest source of dispatchable clean electricity.
