UAE is an example to newcomers in development of N-power program

Abu Dhabi / WAM

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has congratulated the UAE on doubling the amount of zero-carbon electricity produced at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant with the start of commercial operations from Unit 2.
In a statement on this occasion, he said, “The UAE has provided an example to nuclear newcomers throughout the development of its nuclear power programme, demonstrating strategic planning, vision and delivery in line with international standards and practices.”
“It has been a pleasure to witness the progress of the Barakah Plant, which supports the UAE in achieving its Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.”
The Barakah plant is a major contributor to the country’s initiative to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, and is the largest single source of environmentally-friendly electricity in the region.
Upon completion, the plant will generate 5,600 megawatts of environmentally-friendly electricity, which will cover 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes annually.
Construction work on the plant’s first reactor began in 2012 and the remaining work has continued to progress steadily. The construction of the third reactor was completed in November 2021 and its operating systems have been delivered in order to obtain an operating licence from FANR, which is expected to happen this year.
Enec and its subsidiaries employ more than 3,000 people from about 50 different nationalities, 60% of whom are Emirati nationals, and women constitute 20% of the total workforce.