Barakah Nuclear Plant Completes One Year of Full UAE Power Supply

Photo:WAM

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) has announced a major milestone: the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has now completed one full year of full-fleet operations. All four of its advanced APR1400 reactors are working together, generating 25% of the UAE’s total electricity needs. This achievement strengthens the UAE’s energy security and sustainability, while providing a steady supply of clean power across the nation.

Over the past 12 months, the Barakah Plant has produced 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean electricity, supporting homes, businesses, and key technology sectors. Since Unit 1 first began operations, the plant has generated more than 120 TWh in total — an amount equal to the annual electricity demand of New York City. Barakah has become the largest source of clean power in the region, playing a central role in reducing carbon emissions in the UAE’s power sector.

The project is recognized globally as one of the most efficient nuclear power builds in recent times. Between Units 1 and 4, the project achieved a 40% reduction in costs, time, and labor. The plant serves as a model for how large-scale nuclear projects can be safely and efficiently completed.

Construction of Barakah began in July 2012, and with Unit 4 starting construction in 2015, it became the world’s largest nuclear construction site at that time. Four identical reactors were being built simultaneously on a single site, a remarkable achievement. Unit 4 was completed in December 2023 and began operations in September 2024. Each unit took an average of 7.9 years to complete, demonstrating fast yet careful delivery.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s CEO, said: “One year into full operations, Barakah is delivering reliable, clean electricity around the clock. This achievement reflects long-term vision, consistent investment, and quality execution at every stage. Barakah represents the UAE’s leadership in civil nuclear energy and shows how nuclear power can meet rising electricity demand globally.”

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In addition to providing electricity for approximately 574,000 homes, Barakah has helped the UAE’s energy transition by preventing 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions every year. Since Unit 1 started, more than 58 million metric tons of carbon emissions have been avoided — the same as removing around 12 million cars from the roads. Over the past five years, the UAE has added more clean electricity per person than any other country, with 75% of it coming from Barakah.

Barakah also supports local industries in reducing their carbon footprint. About 85% of Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Certificates are backed by the plant’s output, which companies such as ADNOC, EMSTEEL, and EGA use to certify low-carbon products. EGA recently delivered its first low-carbon aluminum, MinimAL, thanks to Barakah’s support.

The plant was developed in partnership with Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) and overseen by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), adhering to international safety standards from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO). Barakah has also trained a highly skilled, Emirati-led nuclear workforce, with over 2,000 UAE nationals contributing alongside international experts.

This achievement highlights the UAE’s leadership in clean energy and demonstrates how nuclear power can play a key role in global decarbonization efforts while supporting national energy security and sustainable development.