The first nuclear unit at the United Arab Emirates starts commercial operation
The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulations (FANR) at the United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that unit 1 of the Barakah nuclear power plant, which became the first to start activities in the Arab World, was connected to the country's grid, which marks the beginning of its commercial operation.
As confirmed by government and royal UAE representatives, this is a historic milestone for the attainment of the UAE's Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, which is part of the process to generate clean energy for the nation during the next sixty years.
The launch into operation of Barakah is a historic milestone for a country that is embracing energy diversification and clean electricity generation
The Barakah project is property of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and will be operated by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO). Construction began in July 2012 and is composed of four APR-1400 reactors.
The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant will contribute 25% of the UAE's zero-emissions electricity, and support the country's economic diversification by creating thousands of quality jobs through the establishment of a local nuclear energy industry and supply chain.
Barakah will have four reactors that will produce 25% of the electricity in the UAE, preventing over 21 milion tons of CO2 every year
The UAE, the world's main oil exporters, have decided to embrace the development of nuclear power to assure the country's energy supply. They are the first country in the Arab world to develop a nuclear power plant to safely generate clean and reliable electricity.
Once it is completely operative, Barakah will produce 5.6 gigawatts of electricity and prevent over 21 million tons of CO2 every year. This is equivalent to eliminating 3.2 million cars from the country's roads.
