Coal is the largest source of energy for generating electricity in the world; it is a non-renewable source that emits carbon. Nuclear energy is also a non-renewable energy source that uses uranium but has the smallest carbon footprint compared to other sources, and it is reliable and economical. Nuclear is one of the largest sources of clean energy.
Countries envisaging a future role for nuclear account for the bulk of global energy demand and CO2 emissions. One of these is the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is the first nuclear power station in the UAE and the first commercial nuclear power station in the Arab World, leading the biggest decarbonization efforts in the region.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is owned by the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant (BNEP), and the project’s construction cost is estimated at US$24.4 billion.
After receiving a construction permit from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and a no-objection certificate from Abu Dhabi’s environmental regulator, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), the plant began construction in July 2012.
Unit 1 started commercial operation back in April of 2021, followed by Unit 2 in March 2022 and Unit 3 in February 2023. Unit 4 will be operational in the coming years.
The plant’s four APR1400 design nuclear reactors have a capacity of up to 1345MW of energy from each unit. It has a full capacity of 5380MW energy generation after completion. The plant will provide up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs once fully operational.
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is located in the Gharbiya region of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf, approximately 53 km west-southwest of Ruwais.
The Barakah plant is an essential part of the UAE’s efforts to diversify its energy sources, and it will provide clean and efficient energy to homes, businesses, and government facilities while reducing the country’s carbon footprint. When fully operational, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is expected to prevent 22 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
