UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant's Unit 4 starts operation

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has marked a significant milestone in its energy sector as the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced the commercial operation of Unit 4 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. This achievement brings the plant to full operational capacity, delivering on the nation’s commitment to clean energy and positioning the UAE as a global leader in nuclear energy.

Unit 4’s activation is a source of national pride and a testament to the UAE's forward-thinking energy strategy, which aims to provide abundant, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity. The Barakah Plant, one of the most advanced nuclear power projects developed in the last three decades, now supplies 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs, producing 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean energy annually. This output powers millions of homes and industries, including ADNOC, Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium, contributing to the nation’s sustainable growth.

A major step towards decarbonisation

The Barakah Plant is a key player in the UAE’s ambitious decarbonisation efforts. By generating clean, carbon-free electricity, the plant reduces the country’s carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes annually—equivalent to removing 4.6 million cars from the road each year. This output meets 24% of the UAE's 2030 decarbonisation goals, reinforcing the country’s leadership in climate action well ahead of its international commitments.

This accomplishment significantly supports Abu Dhabi’s energy mix, helping reduce natural gas consumption for power generation to its lowest point in 13 years. Moreover, 85% of the clean energy certificates issued by EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) come from the Barakah Plant, enabling local companies to produce greener products, enhancing their competitive edge in global markets.

Beyond environmental benefits, the Barakah project has catalysed economic growth and human capital development within the UAE. The construction phase of the plant generated $6.7 billion (AED 22.5 billion) in local procurement, boosting in-country value and creating advanced industries within the country. The programme has also nurtured local talent, with over 2,000 skilled Emiratis participating in the development of the plant, fostering expertise in nuclear sciences and engineering for the nation's future.

H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of ENEC, commented: "The UAE’s leadership took a long-term, data-driven approach to developing civil nuclear energy, transforming the nation’s energy supply. The completion of Unit 4 realises that vision, providing 25% of the UAE’s electricity and showcasing the nation’s leadership in civil nuclear development."

As the UAE's first multi-unit nuclear plant, Barakah is now a global success story, demonstrating how nuclear energy can be efficiently delivered. H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, remarked: "With 75% of the UAE’s recent clean electricity additions coming from Barakah, we have demonstrated that nuclear energy is a viable, bankable option that can boost energy security and decarbonise power grids. This achievement offers a new model for the world, proving the value of nuclear energy in tackling climate change."

Looking ahead, ENEC is poised to expand its role in global nuclear energy development. The expertise gained from Barakah has placed the UAE at the forefront of international nuclear energy cooperation, with over 100 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed with 14 countries. ENEC is also committed to partnering with other nations to meet the global goal of tripling nuclear capacity by 2050.

Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Nawah Energy Company, which operates the Barakah Plant, reaffirmed the company’s dedication to safety, noting that the plant has undergone extensive inspections from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). "Barakah is a successful case study for the nuclear industry, exemplifying our unwavering commitment to operational excellence and global safety standards," Al Hammadi stated.

As the demand for electricity rises globally, especially with advancements in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, the UAE’s Barakah Plant stands as a critical solution in the transition to a decarbonised energy system. The plant's success underscores the UAE’s role as a pioneer in nuclear energy, providing a roadmap for future projects both locally and internationally.