Jakarta, IndonesiaSentinel.com — On Thursday, September 5, 2024, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) marked a significant milestone with the completion of its first nuclear power plant, hailed as a “major step” for the region.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi, developed by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), is set to generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually once its fourth and final reactor is operational, according to ENEC’s statement reported by Al Arabiya.
The Barakah plant will provide 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity needs, a volume comparable to New Zealand’s annual consumption, ENEC noted. This nuclear facility is poised to supply power to major entities, including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC)—one of the world’s largest oil producers—Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium.
The plant, named Barakah, which means “blessing” in Arabic, began operations in 2020 with its first reactor. It represents a key development in the UAE’s energy sector, complementing its ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources.
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, has also announced plans to develop its own nuclear reactors.
UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed praised the completion of Barakah as a “significant step” towards achieving net zero emissions.
“We will continue to prioritize energy security and sustainability for the benefit of our nation and people today and in the future,” Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed stated on social media platform X.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the nuclear power plant is expected to be decommissioned after approximately 60-80 years of operation.
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About the UAE
The United Arab Emirates, comprising seven emirates including the capital Abu Dhabi and the economic hub Dubai, is one of the largest oil producers in the OPEC cartel. While the country has historically relied on oil, it is investing billions to develop renewable energy sources to meet half of its energy needs by 2050.
In 2023, the UAE hosted the UN climate negotiations COP28, which led to agreements on transitioning away from fossil fuels. Positioned across the Gulf from Iran, which operates a Russian-built nuclear power plant in Bushehr and has a controversial uranium enrichment program, the UAE has consistently emphasized that its nuclear ambitions are for “peaceful purposes” and does not plan to develop uranium enrichment or nuclear reprocessing technologies.
Currently, the UAE relies largely on gas-powered stations for electricity but also boasts one of the world’s largest solar power plants, located just outside Abu Dhabi.
(Ray)
