Barakah Plant’s Unit 4 successfully links to UAE grid

Image: WAM

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the successful connection of Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the UAE’s transmission grid through its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company.

This development reflects a key step in the nation’s clean energy transition.

The grid connection marks the start of the delivery of the first megawatts of carbon-free electricity from the fourth reactor of the nuclear energy plant.

With an additional 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity capacity, Unit 4 contributes significantly to powering the national grid, propelling the UAE closer to full-fleet operations. This achievement underscores the UAE’s dedication to enhancing grid stability and energy security through abundant zero-emissions electricity.

Teams from Nawah Energy Company, ENEC’s operations and maintenance subsidiary, collaborated closely with Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO), a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA), to ensure the safe and reliable delivery of power generated at Barakah to consumers across the country through overhead lines.

The grid connection cements the Barakah Plant’s pivotal role in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy, bolstering the nation’s clean energy portfolio and positioning it as a global leader in nuclear energy and decarbonisation.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, managing director and CEO of ENEC, expressed pride in achieving this critical milestone, emphasising the UAE’s leadership in developing large-scale multi-unit nuclear fleets.

Unit 4 readies for commercial operations

Unit 4 is now nearing the start of commercial operations, with the process of power ascension testing (PAT) underway to gradually increase power levels until maximum electricity production is achieved.

Each unit  – from Unit 1 to 3 – has been connected to the grid more efficiently than the previous one, demonstrating the benefits of applied institutional knowledge and experience.

Unit 4 at @ENEC_UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi has been connected to the UAE power transmission grid, contributing to the decarbonisation of the nation’s power sector by delivering clean electricity in its final phase before commencing full commercial operation. pic.twitter.com/7sWD3BRsgL

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) March 23, 2024

Through advancing nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMR) and microreactors via the ENEC Advance Program, ENEC aims to strengthen the UAE’s contributions to global decarbonisation efforts.