ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates on Thursday announced the completion of the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world terming it a significant step.
The state-owned Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) in a statement said Abu Dhabi’s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually after its fourth and final reactor has entered commercial operation.
It will generate 25 percent of the electricity needs of the UAE, ENEC said. The station will provide energy companies including the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), one of the world’s biggest oil producers, Emirates Steel and Emirates Global Aluminium, it said.
Barakah nuclear program began its operations in 2020 when the first of its four reactors went into service.
President of UAE, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the completion of Barakah calling it a significant step on the journey towards net zero.
“We will continue to prioritise energy security and sustainability for the benefit of our nation and our people today and tomorrow,” he said in a post on social media platform X.
According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the number plant will be disassembled after 60-80 years. The UAE, which consists of seven states, last year, hosted the COP28 UN climate conference which resulted in an agreement to transition away from fossil fuels.
The UAE has said its nuclear program is only for peaceful purposes and ruled out developing any enrichment programme.
