UAE Launches Arab World’s First Nuclear Power Plant
The UAE has emphasized that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, with no plans for uranium enrichment or nuclear reprocessing.
The UAE has officially completed the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, marking a major milestone in the region's energy sector. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi has now fully operationalized its fourth and final reactor, as announced by the state-owned Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).
With the plant’s completion, Barakah will produce 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, accounting for 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. This output is nearly equivalent to New Zealand’s yearly consumption.
The plant is set to supply power to major entities including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium.
بدء التشغيل التجاري لكامل محطات براكة للطاقة النووية مع إعلان تشغيل المحطة الرابعة اليوم لتكون دولة الإمارات الأولى في المنطقة التي توفر ربع احتياجاتها من الكهرباء النظيفة. pic.twitter.com/3qU6bHlfvE
— UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) September 5, 2024
The Barakah plant, named after the Arabic word for "blessing," began operations in 2020 with the activation of its first reactor. The International Atomic Energy Agency has indicated that the plant will be decommissioned in about 60-80 years.
The UAE, a significant oil producer within OPEC, is investing heavily in renewable energy as part of its strategy to meet half of its energy needs through renewables by 2050. This initiative aligns with its broader climate goals, including those discussed during the COP28 UN climate talks hosted last year.
The UAE has emphasized that its nuclear program is intended solely for peaceful purposes, with no plans for uranium enrichment or nuclear reprocessing.
