UAE launches operations at final unit of Barakah nuclear plant

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has reached a major milestone with the operational launch of its fourth and final unit, President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, announced on September 5.

In a tweet, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed said, "With the start of operations at Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the UAE has taken another significant step on the journey towards net zero."

Unit 4 will contribute an additional 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity to the national grid, marking a significant achievement in the Arab world’s first multi-unit nuclear plant. The plant is expected to prevent more than 22 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually, equivalent to removing 4.8 million cars from the roads.

The President reiterated the country’s commitment to sustainability. He said, "We will continue to prioritise energy security and sustainability for the benefit of our nation and our people today and tomorrow."

The development of each unit has shown marked improvements in efficiency. The third unit was connected to the grid four months faster than the second and five months faster than the first. This highlights the UAE's growing expertise in nuclear energy and the benefits of a phased construction timeline.

In addition, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the UAE’s mandated nuclear energy developer, announced the launch of the ENEC Advance programme in November 2023. This programme aims to explore advanced technologies in small modular reactors and micro-reactors, further positioning the UAE as a leader in innovative energy solutions.