Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Plant Unit 4 Begins Commercial Operations

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has officially launched the commercial operations of Unit 4 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, achieving a significant milestone in its mission to provide clean, reliable electricity to the UAE. This announcement marks the completion of the Barakah Plant's full delivery and aligns with ENEC’s strategic goals of advancing the UAE's nuclear energy sector and meeting the nation's energy needs sustainably.

The Barakah Plant now generates an impressive 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, which represents up to 25% of the UAE’s total electricity consumption. This output not only meets a substantial portion of the nation's power requirements but also contributes significantly to the UAE’s climate goals. The plant's operations prevent 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to removing approximately 4.8 million vehicles from the roads. This reduction supports the UAE’s 2030 climate commitments, accounting for 24% of the country's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

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The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a cornerstone of the UAE's decarbonisation strategy, the largest of its kind in the region. Its clean, carbon-free electricity supports the country's ambitious climate goals and provides a model for sustainable energy production. The integration of nuclear power into the UAE's energy mix has significantly reduced the consumption of natural gas for power generation in Abu Dhabi, which is now at a 13-year low.

In addition to its environmental benefits, the Barakah Plant has had a substantial economic impact. It has driven a significant drop in natural gas use, contributing to a more diverse energy mix for Abu Dhabi. The plant's four APR-1400 units are pivotal in providing clean energy certificates, which are used by major UAE companies such as ADNOC, EGA, and Emirates Steel Arkan. These certificates are instrumental in enabling these companies to produce cleaner products, enhancing their market competitiveness.

The development of the Barakah Plant has also spurred the growth of a new advanced industry within the UAE, fostering advancements in nuclear sciences and providing educational and career opportunities for Emirati youth. Over 2,000 skilled Emiratis have been involved in the plant’s development, and local companies have received contracts worth US$6.7 billion (AED22.5 billion), boosting the nation’s In-Country Value.

His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the ENEC Board of Directors, highlighted the long-term vision behind the UAE’s nuclear energy policy. He noted, "In 2008, the UAE’s leadership made a strategic decision to embrace nuclear energy, aiming to transform the country’s energy landscape. The commercial operation of Unit 4 demonstrates the realization of this vision, with Barakah now supplying 25% of the UAE’s electricity and positioning the nation as a global leader in civil nuclear energy."

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, expressed pride in the achievement and acknowledged the support of UAE leadership. He stated, "We are immensely proud of this achievement and grateful for the UAE’s leadership. The Barakah Plant has added more clean electricity per capita in the past five years than any other country, with 75% of this coming from Barakah. This underscores the value of integrating nuclear energy into our power mix, enhancing energy security, and establishing the UAE as a regional leader."

Nasser Al Nasseri, CEO of Barakah One Company, emphasized the reliability and efficiency of the Barakah Plant, which now supplies a quarter of the UAE’s electricity. He noted, "Barakah provides a stable and dependable power supply for the next 60 years, offering a strong foundation for future growth. The plant’s low volatility pricing and high energy returns make it a valuable asset for the UAE."

Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Nawah Energy Company, praised the plant's adherence to safety and regulatory standards. He said, "Unit 4’s entry into commercial operation marks a historic milestone. Our commitment to safety and compliance remains unwavering, with extensive inspections and reviews demonstrating our dedication to operational excellence."

The launch of Unit 4 comes at a time when nuclear energy is gaining recognition globally for its role in decarbonizing energy systems. The International Energy Agency (IEA) anticipates a rise in global electricity demand, driven by factors such as artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors. At COP28, 25 nations, including the UAE, pledged to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050. The Barakah Plant’s success positions ENEC and the UAE as frontrunners in this global initiative.

As the first multi-unit nuclear energy plant in the Middle East, Barakah serves as a model of successful nuclear energy deployment. With over 100 Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with 14 countries, ENEC is well-positioned to lead future nuclear projects both within the UAE and internationally.