Commercial Operations For Unit 3, Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant

According to the report, teams at Barakah have reduced the duration from fuel loading to commercial operations for Unit 3 of the Barakah Plant by four months compared to Unit 2, and by more than five months compared to Unit 1, demonstrating how the operations teams have utilised and implemented the experience gained from the previous two units while continuing to adhere to all national regulations and international standards, as confirmed by the assessments of the UAE regulator FANR and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

Unit 3 has been delivered efficiently and in one of the shortest timeframes compared to other third-generation reactors built worldwide, demonstrating a new era for nuclear new builds.

Playing a significant role in the UAE’s clean energy transition, ENEC and its subsidiaries are now one unit away from completing the four-unit Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and realising their commitment to deliver up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity demands, stated the report.

Barakah, the first multi-unit operating plant in the Arab World, has already powered more than 80 percent of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s clean electricity consumption as of December 2022.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said, "In the Year of Sustainability for the UAE, we are proud to take the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program another step forward with Unit 3 beginning commercial operations." This has been achieved less than a year after successfully starting commercial operations for Unit 2. Barakah is a successful global benchmark for other nations looking to diversify their energy portfolio during a time of international energy crises. With three units now operating commercially, we are delivering energy security, powering sustainable economic growth, driving innovation, and contributing to achieving our Net Zero strategy by 2050. "We look forward to showcasing just how critical nuclear is in tackling climate change, using proven solutions available today, at COP28 in the UAE in November."

The commercial operations of Unit 3 commenced with the continuous support of EWEC (the Emirates Water and Electricity Company) and the Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO), who ensure that the clean electricity generated at Barakah is delivered to consumers across the UAE in a safe and sustainable manner.

The Barakah Plant needs EWEC and TRANSCO's help to keep up a world-class electric grid infrastructure so that electricity can be sent out reliably.

Nasser Al Nasseri, the Chief Executive Officer of Barakah One Company, ENEC’s subsidiary in charge of representing the financial and commercial interests of the Barakah Plant project, said, "Today we celebrate an important day for the delivery of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project with the commercial operations of Unit 3, and we reaffirm our commitment to clean electricity generation for EWEC." The sale of clean electricity further supports Abu Dhabi’s Clean Energy Certification program, allowing more businesses to demonstrate their sustainability credentials, creating a unique competitive advantage, and stimulating the growth of our Net Zero economy.

Commenting on this milestone, Eng. Ali Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, said, "This is a key achievement for Nawah as we safely and efficiently begin commercial operations for Unit 3 in accordance with national regulations and international standards." "Our highly skilled and qualified national and international experts have world-class operating experience to safely provide constant, reliable, and sustainable clean electricity around the clock from three parallel operating units."

According to the report, as a powerhouse for the nation’s development, energy security, and stability, the plant generates thousands of high-value jobs and stimulates millions of dollars of value for local companies. Barakah provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today and for the next 60 years and beyond.

When fully operational, the plant will prevent millions of tonnes of carbon emissions—the leading cause of climate change—every year and will free up billions of dollars' worth of natural gas annually that would have otherwise been used for electricity generation.