UAE: Unit 3 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant now connected to country’s power grid

The third reactor of the UAE's Barakh Nuclear Energy Plant has now been connected to the country's power grid, it was announced on Saturday.

Unit 3 will add another 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity to the national grid, a major step in guaranteeing the country's energy security and sustainability to tackle climate change.

With both Units 1 and 2 already in commercial operation, generating clean electricity every minute of the day — and with Unit 3 close to commercial operations in the coming months — Barakah is accelerating the decarbonisation of the power sector and forms an essential component of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.

The nuclear sector as a whole is a vital part of the UAE’s clean energy system of multiple low-carbon technologies, ensuring the reliability, efficiency and resilience of the national grid for at least the next 60 years.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, managing director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), said: “Connecting Unit 3 to the UAE transmission grid adds thousands more megawatts of clean electricity to power all aspects of society; replaces the need to burn $4 billion worth of gas which can be diverted for export; and through Clean Energy Certification, gives many companies in the UAE a unique competitive advantage.

"I am proud of our Emirati-led teams who continue to showcase world-class levels of capability, knowledge and expertise — powering a Net Zero economy through their work. Congratulations to everyone who has helped make these achievements a reality.”

Following the grid connection, Unit 3 will undergo the process of gradually raising power levels, known as Power Ascension Testing (PAT). The process will be continuously monitored and tested until maximum electricity production is reached, while adhering to all local regulatory requirements and the highest international standards of safety, quality and security.

The four units at Barakah will eventually cover 25 per cent of the UAE’s energy needs, becoming the largest source of dispatchable clean electricity in the country.

The plant demonstrates how nuclear energy projects can be delivered safely, successfully and competitively to tackle growing carbon emissions. Through clean electricity generated at Barakah, nuclear is helping to decarbonize some of the most energy intense sectors. Nuclear is also enabling the UAE to divert high-value LNG fuels for export, increasing national funds availability for international investment to drive economic diversification.

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• Abu Dhabi