Barakah Nuclear Plant’s Unit 4 begins commercial operations

Image: ENEC

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the start of full commercial operations of Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, marking a key achievement for the UAE’s energy sector.

Barakah, now fully operational, supplies 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity, generating 40 terawatt-hours annually – enough to power 16 million electric vehicles.

The plant’s low-carbon energy output supports the country’s decarbonisation efforts, reducing annual carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes – equivalent to removing 4.6 million cars from the roads.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan commented on this milestone, calling it a “significant milestone on the path to net zero”.

In a post on X on Thursday, he highlighted the plant’s role as the largest decarbonisation initiative in both the UAE and the region.

With the start of operations at Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the UAE has taken another significant step on the journey towards net zero. We will continue to prioritise energy security and sustainability for the benefit of our nation and our people today and…

— محمد بن زايد (@MohamedBinZayed) September 5, 2024

Barakah’s full delivery is a key milestone

“This is a momentous achievement for the UAE,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s CEO. “Barakah is now a model for the world, demonstrating that nuclear energy can be delivered efficiently and drive significant decarbonisation.”

The plant, featuring four APR-1400 reactors, is a cornerstone of the UAE’s energy transition, contributing to 24 per cent of the nation’s 2030 decarbonization goals. It has also played a critical role in reducing Abu Dhabi’s reliance on natural gas for power generation, which is now at a 13-year low.

The UAE’s ambitious nuclear energy programme, launched in 2008, has not only bolstered energy security but also stimulated the development of a new advanced industry. Over 2,000 skilled Emiratis have been involved in the plant’s construction, adding to the nation’s nuclear expertise.

Barakah’s long-term economic impact is already evident. The plant has supported $6.7bn in local procurement and created competitive advantages for UAE-based companies, such as ADNOC and Emirates Steel, through clean energy certificates.

As global electricity demand rises, driven by AI, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, Barakah’s stable and reliable output underscores nuclear energy’s role in meeting future needs. At COP28, the UAE joined 24 other nations in pledging to triple nuclear capacity by 2050.

With full delivery of the Barakah plant, the UAE has positioned itself as a frontrunner in the global clean energy transition, and ENEC is set to explore new nuclear projects both locally and abroad.