UAE announces the launch of operations at Fourth Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
An important step forward in the UAE's quest for clean electrical energy has been declared by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC): the fourth nuclear power station, Barakah, has begun to operate.
The plant's operation and maintenance will be managed by Nawah Energy Company, a subsidiary of ENEC, demonstrating the corporation's proficiency in creating the area's biggest source of clean electricity.
The activation of the fourth reactor at the Barakah plant signifies the initiation of the nuclear fission process, generating heat to power steam turbines for electricity production. Over the coming weeks, the plant will be integrated into the UAE's electricity grid following the attainment of specified reactor power levels. Subsequent tests will gradually increase power output until reaching maximum capacity, paving the way for commercial operations in the coming months.
Each Barakah plant has been progressively optimised through the application of lessons learned from preceding stations, resulting in more efficient operations. Notably, the third station commenced operations four months ahead of the second and five months ahead of the first, underscoring the benefits of phased development. The completion of the four-barakah power plant project within a scheduled timeline demonstrates adept project management skills and extensive experience in handling major projects.
The four state-of-the-art APR-1400 pressurised water reactors used in the Barakah plants have a combined capacity of 1,400 megawatts to produce clean electricity.
Mohammed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC, hailed the initiation of operations at the fourth Barakah station as a significant achievement, signalling a new phase in the UAE's peaceful nuclear rogram. He emphasised the nation's commitment to research, innovation, and investment in advanced nuclear energy technologies, underscoring the pivotal role of nuclear energy in reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector.
Upon the commencement of commercial operations, the fourth station will augment the total production capacity to 5,600 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, fulfilling up to 25% of the UAE's electricity requirements. The Barakah plants play a crucial role in sustainable development, energy security, and climate change mitigation, contributing significantly to the country's carbon reduction commitments under the Paris Agreement.
These plants serve as a global exemplar for new nuclear energy projects, showcasing feasibility, safety, cost efficiency, and meticulous management. They underscore the significance of nuclear energy in the global energy landscape, offering valuable insights for countries considering nuclear power adoption to meet energy needs and environmental objectives.
ENEC, in collaboration with the World Nuclear Organisation, has launched the "Nuclear Energy for Climate Neutrality" initiative, garnering support from numerous countries and companies to triple nuclear energy production capacity by 2050, thereby accelerating carbon footprint reduction efforts in the energy sector and heavy industry worldwide.
Leveraging insights from the Barakah plants, ENEC is focusing on expanding nuclear energy projects in the UAE, advancing research and development, and adopting innovative nuclear energy technologies to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. Collaboration with local and international partners is integral to realising these initiatives, essential for mitigating the carbon footprint of energy sources and advancing climate neutrality goals.
