On Thursday, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrated a milestone with the completion of the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant, marking a significant achievement in its energy sector. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi has commenced operations of its fourth and final reactor, now officially entering commercial operation, according to a statement from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).
With this development, the Barakah plant is set to generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, contributing to 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs. This output is comparable to New Zealand’s annual electricity consumption. The plant will supply power to major corporations including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium, ENEC reported.
Barakah, which translates to “blessing” in Arabic, began its journey in 2020 with the activation of its first reactor. The completion of the final reactor represents a critical step in the UAE’s energy strategy, which includes diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed praised the achievement as a crucial advancement towards the nation’s net-zero goals. “We will continue to prioritize energy security and sustainability for the benefit of our nation and our people today and tomorrow,” he stated on social media platform X.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has noted that the plant will require decommissioning at the end of its operational life, estimated to be between 60 and 80 years.
As a major oil producer within OPEC, the UAE has historically relied on fossil fuels but is now investing billions in renewable energy to meet half of its energy needs through renewable sources by 2050. This strategic shift was underscored by the UAE’s hosting of the COP28 UN climate talks last year, which emphasized the transition away from fossil fuels.
The UAE’s nuclear ambitions, firmly stated to be for peaceful purposes, contrast with neighboring Iran’s nuclear program, which includes uranium enrichment and a Russian-built reactor in Bushehr. The UAE has explicitly ruled out developing its own enrichment or nuclear reprocessing capabilities. Alongside its nuclear efforts, the country also operates one of the world’s largest solar plants located outside Abu Dhabi, further demonstrating its commitment to a diverse and sustainable energy future.
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