The UAE is preparing to reach 75 percent of operating its peaceful nuclear project.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced that Nawah Energy Company has begun the process of loading fuel assemblies into the reactor of the Barakah plant following the granting of operating license by Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) to Nawah for Unit 3 of the plant.
With Unit 3 now approved to operate alongside Units 1 and 2, this milestone demonstrates the substantial and swift progress that has been made in developing nuclear energy as a strategically significant, clean, and abundant source of electricity for the UAE, while transforming the country’s energy landscape and enhancing national energy security.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENE Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said, "We are delighted to receive the Operating License for Unit 3 at the Barakah Plant, and we look forward to the start of reliable electricity production alongside Units 1 and 2 in the coming months."
He stressed that the plant is "rapidly delivering a practical climate solution on the ground, enabling the UAE’s large-scale decarbonization efforts alongside its economic growth, and leading the way to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050".
With the completion of the fuel load process, the operations team will proceed with preparations for start-up of the Unit later this year, followed by the delivery of the first megawatts of clean and reliable electricity.
After the completion of the fuel load process, the operations team will proceed with preparations for start-up of the Unit later this year, after which it will deliver 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity to the UAE's national grid.
When completed Barakah will have four reactors with total capacity equivalent to around 25 percent of the UAE's peak demand.
This is predicted to offset about 21 million tons of greenhouse emissions yearly.
Barakah also provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today and for the next 60 years and beyond, through rapid decarbonization of the energy sector. When fully operational, the Plant will prevent 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions - the leading cause of climate change - every year.
