ENEC announces start of commercial operations at Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE programme had become a global and pioneering role model in close international cooperation in such strategic projects
Commercial operations at Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant have commenced according to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The company stated that its operating and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah) had successfully started commercial operations of the first Unit of the Barakah Plant, following the completion of all testing activities.
The 1400MW Unit 1 is said to be providing constant, reliable, and sustainable electricity, with three further units to begin generating electricity in the coming years. As a result, ENEC is now leading the largest decarbonisation effort of any industry in the UAE to date, a statement explained.
Lauding the achievement, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said it was a significant milestone in the UAE’s long-term roadmap for sustainable, knowledge-based economic prosperity, benefiting many generations to come. He pointed out that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Program, which is run by the talented and fully qualified Emirati expertise, along with global expertise, will be a game changer of the energy sector in the country.
ENEC chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak added, “The UAE set a clear roadmap with solid principles to ensure this project’s development in accordance with the highest international industry standards of safety and quality with full transparency. Our investment in pioneering technologies and the decarbonisation of our electricity production not only advances the UAE’s clean energy leadership but also produces tangible socioeconomic and environmental benefits. We congratulate all of our partners as we continue to support the prosperity and sustainable growth of our country.”
ENEC CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi explained, “After more than a decade of strategic planning, program development and construction, today we are confidently marking the start of a new chapter in for the UAE’s transition to cleaner energy sources. The Barakah Plant uses proven technology for significantly reducing carbon emissions to tackle climate change, one of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced. Our talented team of UAE Nationals and international experts has worked tirelessly with the support of our leadership and international partners to reach this pivotal milestone in the UAE program’s history.”
A Power Purchase Agreement was signed in 2016 to purchase all electricity generated at the plant for the next 60 years by ENEC’s subsidiary, Barakah One Company and the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC).
