UAE’s First Nuclear Plant Begins Commercial Operations

  • Barakah Unit 1 has commenced commercial operation according to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).
  • The unit has a generating capacity of 1,400MW, making it the single largest generator in the UAE.
  • The Barakah nuclear power plant’s construction began in 2012 by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation.

The UAE’s Barakah Unit 1 nuclear generator has commenced commercial operation, according to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The unit is being operated by Nawah Energy Company is capable of generating 1,400MW, making it the single largest generator in the UAE.

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The unit began commercial operations after a period of rigorous testing, assessments and inspections, overseen by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Association of Nuclear Operators.

The Barakah nuclear power plant’s construction began in 2012 by a consortium led by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPC). The facility consists of four APR-1400 units. The second Unit has completed the fuel loading process and is working through all of the required processes before start-up scheduled for later this year. Construction of units 3 and 4 are also 94% and 89% complete.

Barakah One Company signed a power purchase agreement in 2016 to sell all power generated at the plant for the next 60 years to the Emirates Water and Electricity Company. ENEC believes that the plant, when completed, will lead the largest decarbonisation effort of any industry in the UAE.

 

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