The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced on Tuesday that the Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has started commercial operations.
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces hailed the achievement, describing it as a significant milestone in the UAE’s long-term roadmap for sustainable, knowledge-based economic prosperity, benefiting many generations to come.
He said that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Program will be a game changer of the energy sector in the country, noting that the UAE Program has become a global and pioneering role model in close international cooperation in such strategic projects.
The UAE government entity mandated to deliver the UAE program, the ENEC, part of ADQ, one of region’s largest holding companies, confirmed that its operating and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah) has successfully started commercial operations of the first Unit of Barakah Plant, following the completion of all testing activities, state news agency WAM reported.
The 1400 MW Unit 1 is now providing constant, reliable, and sustainable electricity around the clock, with three further units to begin generating in the coming years. As a result, ENEC is now leading the largest decarbonisation effort of any industry in the UAE to date.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of ENEC, said: "The UAE set a clear roadmap with solid principles to ensure this project’s development in accordance with the highest international industry standards of safety and quality with full transparency."
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: "After more than a decade of strategic planning, program development and construction, today we are confidently marking the start of a new chapter in for the UAE’s transition to cleaner energy sources."
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four APR-1400 Units.
Construction of the Plant began in 2012 and has progressed steadily ever since. Unit 2 has now completed the fuel load process and is working through all of the required processes prior to start-up, scheduled for later in 2021.