emirates7 - The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced a major milestone for the UAE, with the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant now fully operational, marking the completion of the entire plant. This achievement fulfills ENEC’s commitment to provide clean, abundant electricity to the UAE. Barakah is considered one of the most successful nuclear projects in recent history, showcasing exceptional engineering, collaboration, and a significant accomplishment for the nation.
The plant’s construction aligns with the UAE’s 2008 nuclear energy policy, adhering to the highest standards of safety, security, and transparency. Barakah is now generating 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to New Zealand’s yearly consumption, and supplying up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity. This clean, carbon-free energy can power 16 million electric vehicles each year, making it the UAE’s largest decarbonization initiative and positioning the country to surpass its 2030 climate targets.
Barakah prevents 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually—equivalent to taking 4.6 million cars off the road—and contributes to achieving 24% of the UAE's 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, the plant has reduced the demand for natural gas for electricity generation in Abu Dhabi to a 13-year low, despite increasing energy needs.
The plant's four APR-1400 reactors also support the decarbonization of UAE companies, with 85% of the clean energy certificates managed by EWEC powered by Barakah. Major companies like ADNOC, Emirates Steel Arkan, and EGA use these certificates to produce more environmentally friendly products, giving Abu Dhabi-based companies a competitive advantage.
The Barakah project has spurred the development of a new advanced industry in the UAE, offering educational and training opportunities for over 2,000 skilled Emiratis and promoting nuclear sciences. The plant's construction alone generated $6.7 billion (AED22.5 billion) in local procurement, making the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program a key driver of economic value.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of ENEC’s Board of Directors, praised the UAE's long-term, data-driven approach to developing nuclear energy, which has now materialized with Barakah providing up to 25% of the nation’s electricity. Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s CEO, emphasized the plant’s critical role in delivering clean energy and boosting energy security, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in nuclear power.
Barakah’s success also demonstrates that nuclear energy is a viable and efficient energy source, with its units coming online faster than expected. ENEC is now well-prepared to support future nuclear energy projects within the UAE and internationally.
Nasser Al Nasseri, CEO of Barakah One Company, highlighted the plant’s ability to provide a stable, long-term power supply for the next 60 years, offering low price volatility and high energy returns. Eng. Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Nawah Energy Company, celebrated the historic milestone of Unit 4's commercial operation and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety and compliance with UAE regulations and international standards.
The Barakah plant is now recognized globally as a successful model for nuclear energy projects. As global electricity demand rises, particularly with the expansion of artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, the reliable, clean energy produced by Barakah plays an increasingly important role in decarbonizing the energy sector. The plant’s completion positions ENEC and the UAE as leaders in contributing to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.
The plant’s construction aligns with the UAE’s 2008 nuclear energy policy, adhering to the highest standards of safety, security, and transparency. Barakah is now generating 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity annually, equivalent to New Zealand’s yearly consumption, and supplying up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity. This clean, carbon-free energy can power 16 million electric vehicles each year, making it the UAE’s largest decarbonization initiative and positioning the country to surpass its 2030 climate targets.
Barakah prevents 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually—equivalent to taking 4.6 million cars off the road—and contributes to achieving 24% of the UAE's 2030 Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Additionally, the plant has reduced the demand for natural gas for electricity generation in Abu Dhabi to a 13-year low, despite increasing energy needs.
The plant's four APR-1400 reactors also support the decarbonization of UAE companies, with 85% of the clean energy certificates managed by EWEC powered by Barakah. Major companies like ADNOC, Emirates Steel Arkan, and EGA use these certificates to produce more environmentally friendly products, giving Abu Dhabi-based companies a competitive advantage.
The Barakah project has spurred the development of a new advanced industry in the UAE, offering educational and training opportunities for over 2,000 skilled Emiratis and promoting nuclear sciences. The plant's construction alone generated $6.7 billion (AED22.5 billion) in local procurement, making the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program a key driver of economic value.
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of ENEC’s Board of Directors, praised the UAE's long-term, data-driven approach to developing nuclear energy, which has now materialized with Barakah providing up to 25% of the nation’s electricity. Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s CEO, emphasized the plant’s critical role in delivering clean energy and boosting energy security, positioning the UAE as a regional leader in nuclear power.
Barakah’s success also demonstrates that nuclear energy is a viable and efficient energy source, with its units coming online faster than expected. ENEC is now well-prepared to support future nuclear energy projects within the UAE and internationally.
Nasser Al Nasseri, CEO of Barakah One Company, highlighted the plant’s ability to provide a stable, long-term power supply for the next 60 years, offering low price volatility and high energy returns. Eng. Ali Al Hammadi, CEO of Nawah Energy Company, celebrated the historic milestone of Unit 4's commercial operation and reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety and compliance with UAE regulations and international standards.
The Barakah plant is now recognized globally as a successful model for nuclear energy projects. As global electricity demand rises, particularly with the expansion of artificial intelligence, electric vehicles, and semiconductors, the reliable, clean energy produced by Barakah plays an increasingly important role in decarbonizing the energy sector. The plant’s completion positions ENEC and the UAE as leaders in contributing to the goal of tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050.