Dubai: The United Arab Emirates has achieved a significant milestone with the completion of the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This development marks a major step in the nation’s pursuit of energy diversification and sustainability.
On Thursday, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced that the plant’s fourth and final reactor has commenced commercial operation. With this, Barakah will generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, fulfilling 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs. This is roughly equivalent to New Zealand’s annual electricity consumption.
The Barakah plant, situated in Abu Dhabi, will provide power to major companies including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium. The plant’s operation represents a significant leap forward in the UAE’s energy strategy, especially in a country heavily reliant on air conditioning due to its desert climate.
The plant, named Barakah, meaning “blessing” in Arabic, began its journey in 2020 with the activation of its first reactor. The completion of the final reactor underscores the UAE’s commitment to diversifying its energy sources away from fossil fuels.
Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan praised the plant’s completion as a “significant step on the journey towards net zero.” He emphasized the importance of prioritizing energy security and sustainability for the nation’s future.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Barakah plant will eventually need to be decommissioned in about 60-80 years. This long-term perspective reflects the plant’s role in the UAE’s broader energy strategy.
The UAE, consisting of seven emirates including the capital Abu Dhabi and economic hub Dubai, is known for its substantial oil reserves. Despite this, the country is investing heavily in renewable energy, aiming to meet half of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2050.
Last year, the UAE hosted the COP28 UN climate talks, which resulted in a commitment to transition away from fossil fuels. This move aligns with the UAE’s goal to balance its energy portfolio with sustainable options.
In contrast, Iran, across the Gulf from the UAE, operates a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bushehr and has a controversial uranium enrichment program. The UAE has consistently emphasized that its nuclear ambitions are for peaceful purposes, excluding any development of enrichment or reprocessing technologies.
Currently, the UAE also relies on gas-powered stations for a significant portion of its electricity and boasts one of the world’s largest solar power plants located outside Abu Dhabi. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is a pivotal addition to this diverse energy landscape.