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ABU DHABI, 24th February, 2023 (WAM) — HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra region, met a delegation from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC and its subsidiaries at the Palm Palace to discuss the Commercial operation of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE and the latest update on the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.
With Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Unit 3 commencing commercial operations, His Highness highlighted the UAE’s fast-paced action on climate change and the positive impact of clean nuclear energy on the leadership’s vision for a clean energy transition.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan emphasized the important role of nuclear energy in ensuring the UAE’s energy security and promoting sustainable development to achieve the UAE’s 2050 Net Zero Emissions Strategic Initiative.
HH congratulates the team at the Barakah plant for their continued and remarkable achievements in the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme, which have enhanced the country’s global reputation in clean energy, thanks to the direction of the country’s wise leadership and their continued support UAE plans and Barakah factory.
“Today, we are witnessing the rapid decarbonization of the UAE’s electricity sector, a direct result of wise leadership vision and decisive action over the past 14 years. The Barakah nuclear power plant now provides more carbon-free electricity to support the country’s economic growth , while contributing to our 2050 Net Zero Emissions Strategy. This is a proud moment for the UAE as we continue to achieve major milestones during the Year of Sustainable Development, which President Sheikh Mohammed An initiative launched by His Highness Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.The Barakah plant moves closer to meeting its goal of producing 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs as the third of its four units begins commercial operation This is a huge step forward, while preventing millions of tons of carbon emissions every year,” said HH Sheikh Hamdan.
“This proves to the world that with the strength, capability and ambition of our nation, we are successfully advancing our plans to play a leading role in efforts to tackle climate change and drive innovation. The Barakah factory inspires young people across the UAE to lead in clean energy transformation, creating thousands of jobs for talented Emiratis and contributing to the prosperity of the Al Dhafra region. The UAE looks forward to hosting COP28 later this year as we work together to protect our planet and improve global energy security,” added HH Sheikh Hamdan.
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan emphasized that developing the UAE’s human resources in the nuclear energy sector is of paramount importance, while continuing to strengthen the country’s R&D capabilities to keep pace with the latest developments in the nuclear energy sector.
A delegation comprising officials from ENEC and its subsidiaries presented an update on the Barakah plant, whose three units are reliably generating up to 4,200 MW of carbon-free electricity from three operating reactors. Unit 4 is undergoing final testing before construction is declared complete and the unit is handed over for operational readiness.
The delegation also briefed His Highness on ENEC’s future strategy as it currently focuses on R&D, opportunities for clean molecular production, such as clean hydrogen, and investing in nuclear energy projects at home and abroad. ENEC is also exploring opportunities for advanced technologies in nuclear energy, including small modular reactors (SMRs) and next-generation nuclear reactors. The Barakah NPP is a catalyst for innovation in other civilian applications of nuclear energy, such as those in medicine, agriculture and aerospace.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “Thanks to the support of our wise leadership, we will continue our efforts to strengthen the wider contribution of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program to the UAE’s society and economy, including the development of skilled professionals, innovation and R&D. We now aim to fully implement the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme, further accelerate the clean energy transition through clean molecular production and advanced carbon and achieving net zero emissions by 2050,” Al Hammadi added.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has provided thousands of high-value jobs, developed the local nuclear supply chain and provided local companies with contracts worth more than AED24 billion to date. Once fully operational, the four units at the Barakah plant will save billions of dollars in natural gas each year, diverting this vital resource to other uses in the UAE or for export. The Barakah power plant is the largest source of clean electricity for the UAE grid and will account for 25% of the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contribution to emissions reductions to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.
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