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New Energy World
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Abu Dhabi nuclear power plant begins full commercial operation
18/9/2024
News
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the start of commercial operations for Unit 4 at the Barakah nuclear energy plant, marking its full delivery.
Barakah is now generating 40 TWh of electricity per year, providing up to 25% of the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE) electricity. It is thought to be the first multi-unit operational nuclear power plant in the Arab world.
According to ENEC, consumption of natural gas for power generation is at a 13-year low in Abu Dhabi despite growing demand, due to the significant contribution Barakah is making as part of the UAE’s energy mix.
Construction of the fourth unit at Barakah began in July 2015, three years after work began on the first unit at the site and it means that the completed plant now has a total capacity of 5,600 MW. Unit 1 began commercial operation in April 2021, Unit 2 in 2022 and Unit 3 in 2023. The units are Korean-designed APR-1400 pressurised water reactors.
To date, more than 2,000 Emiratis have participated in developing the plant, and $6.7bn (AED22.5bn) has been awarded in contracts for local companies.
His Excellency Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, ENEC, said: ‘The UAE has added more clean electricity per capita in the past five years than any other nation, with 75% of this coming from Barakah. This clearly demonstrates that integrating nuclear energy into the UAE power’s mix and alongside growing renewable energy sources was the right decision, boosting energy security and establishing the UAE as a regional leader in this growing sector.’
