With the global energy crisis a raging topic of discussion across the globe, the UAE’s decision to add nuclear energy to its energy mix back in 2008 is paying dividends with the announcement that Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab World, has been started up successfully. It will be brought online in the next few weeks.
The plant, located in the Al Dhafra Region of Abu Dhabi, is owned by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and operated and maintained by its subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah).
Once commercially operational, Unit 3 will add another 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity capacity to the national grid. The clean electricity generated at Barakah is sustainably powering homes, businesses and high-tech industries across the UAE.
Startup is the first time Unit 3 has produced heat through nuclear fission. The heat is used to create steam, which turns a turbine to generate electricity.
In the coming weeks, Unit 3 will be connected to the national electricity grid and nuclear operators will continue with the process of gradually raising power levels, known as Power Ascension Testing (PAT). The process will be continuously monitored and tested until maximum electricity production is reached while adhering to all regulatory requirements.
It’s a milestone moment in bringing the four units of the Barakah Plant online and accelerating the decarbonisation of the UAE’s power sector on the way to Net Zero by 2050. The startup of Unit 3 has been achieved one year after the startup of Unit 2. The next step would be the connection of Unit 3 to the national electricity grid in the coming weeks.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “We have reached another major milestone in the delivery of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program today, as we move forwards with the provision of strategically significant clean energy for the UAE.
“The Barakah Plant is spearheading the decarbonisation of the power sector, sustainably generating abundant electricity to meet growing demand and power growth. The UAE has developed a world-class nuclear program that builds on the experience that it continuously shares with its peers.
“Barakah is now spearheading domestic energy security and sustainability in parallel, at the time of a global energy crisis, highlighting the unique capabilities of nuclear energy in solving energy security and sustainability. The commissioning of the Plant is just the beginning, with innovation and R&D now key in ensuring the realisation of the full scope of the program.”
Nawah, the Joint Venture subsidiary of ENEC and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), has been safely progressing through a comprehensive testing program prior to successfully completing the startup of the third nuclear energy reactor.
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, has closely monitored the whole testing process. It followed the World Association of Nuclear Operators’ (WANO) completion of a Pre-Start-Up Review (PSUR), prior to receipt of the Operating License.
Ali Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, commented: “Today is another momentous occasion for the Barakah Plant, and we are already increasing power in the reactor, generating more heat and preparing for the delivery of the first megawatts of clean electricity to the grid, in accordance with national regulations and international standards.
“The startup of Unit 3 is a clear demonstration that our Emirati talents, working closely with international experts and organisations, have developed the know-how and capability to operate three nuclear Units simultaneously safely and reliably.
We look forward to the upcoming connection of Unit 3 to the national electricity grid as we work to deliver up to 25 percent of the UAE’s demand.” Unit 4 is now in the final stages of commissioning.
When fully operational, the Barakah Plant will prevent 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions – the leading cause of climate change – every year.
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