UAE Peaceful Nuclear Programme continues accomplishing distinguished achievements

The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Programme is registering distinguished achievements, enhancing the UAE’s pioneering international stature in the environmental-friendly energy sector, despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

In terms of the development of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra Region, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has accomplished a new achievement, through the start of the commercial operation of the plant’s second reactor while its first reactor began commercial operations in April 2021, therefore, doubling the plant’s capacity to generate environmentally-friendly electricity, as well as reducing carbon emissions.

With the commercial operation of the second reactor, the plant’s overall current production capacity is 2,800 megawatts (MW), and the two plants reduce carbon emissions by 11.2 million tonnes each year.

When fully operational, the plant will generate 5,600 MW of environmentally-friendly electricity, which will cover 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs while reducing carbon emissions by 22.4 million tonnes annually.

In his exclusive statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said the start of commercial operations of Unit 2 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a new achievement for the UAE, which strengthens its advanced stature in transitioning to environmentally-friendly energy sources, due to the vision of its leadership.

“Today, the UAE’s vision to support the growing economy in a sustainable manner is being supported by the plant increasing its electricity production capacity,” he added, noting that the plant is leading the efforts to reduce emissions and create realistic solutions to climate change.