UAE is the first country in the region to host major World Association of Nuclear Operators conference

The UAE has become a benchmark for the provision of peaceful nuclear energy according to the highest safety, security, quality and non-proliferation standards, providing a model for newcomer countries wishing to develop their own civilian nuclear energy facilities.

ENEC’s Barakah nuclear power plant is today playing an important role in the rapid decarbonisation of the country’s energy sector, serving as a sustainable source of power for the country’s economic development, providing energy security and sustainability. In addition to existing members, the UAE is committed to supporting newcomer countries to improve the operational safety and reliability of the global fleet.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC and President of WANO, said: “We are proud that Abu Dhabi will host the upcoming WANO Biennial Congress and as President of WANO, I look forward to supporting our shared mission of advancing excellence in nuclear energy In terms of operational safety and reliability.”

“Global projections highlight the need to double the global nuclear fleet to support the achievement of net-zero emissions by 2050. We must therefore ensure support for new entrants and countries expanding existing nuclear fleets to meet the highest standards of nuclear excellence to Ensuring safe and reliable power generation”.

“At ENEC, we will continue to build on our experience working with the global nuclear industry to deliver the Barakah nuclear power plant, working with the major nuclear organizations of the international community to support the development of advanced nuclear technologies,” Al Hammadi added.

ENEC joined WANO in October 2010 and Al Hammadi was elected as a member of the WANO Atlanta Center Council in August 2015. He was elected President of WANO at its biennial general meeting in Prague, Czech Republic, in October 2022.

Founded in 1989, WANO has 120 members from some 30 countries and is responsible for operating more than 430 nuclear power reactors worldwide, including in the US, Europe and Asia. The entity works to achieve a set of ambitious industry goals for 2030, helping every country and company involved in civilian nuclear operations achieve the highest possible nuclear safety standards through the exchange of information and best practice.

In 2009, the UAE became the first new country in 27 years to start a peaceful nuclear energy programme, and since joining WANO in 2010, ENEC has committed itself to the WANO mission of maximizing safety and reliability. ENEC and its subsidiaries regularly participate in the organization’s seminars, events, training programs and conduct key pre-launch and peer reviews.

The WANO review is a globally recognized nuclear industry assessment, conducted against international industry standards developed by WANO, and provides an independent source of feedback for nuclear plant operators around the world.

Nuclear energy has entered a new era of rapid growth, innovation and change. The UAE is accelerating its transition to clean energy. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant generates clean electricity and serves as a catalyst for innovation and investment in other clean technologies. The plant has three commercially operating nuclear reactors, the fourth of which is in the final stages of commissioning. Barakah is a national strategic energy project that currently generates 30 TWh of clean electricity per year.

ENEC and its subsidiaries have played a major role in the UAE’s clean energy transition and are now one step closer to completing the four-unit Barakah nuclear power plant and fulfilling its promise to supply up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. Barakah is the first multi-unit power plant in the Arab world and already powers more than 80% of the emirate’s clean electricity.

Barakah is a driving force behind the development of new technologies for the clean energy transition, including SMR development and next-generation reactors, and the production of clean molecules – steam, hydrogen and ammonia, as well as the much-needed heat to generate the energy needed to decarbonize industry and hard-to-reach areas such as shipping and aviation weakened industry.