Abu Dhabi: Nawah Energy Company (Nawah Energy), the operations and maintenance subsidiary of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), has successfully and securely linked Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the UAE’s transmission system.
The plant’s fourth reactor is now delivering its first megawatts of carbon-free power to the grid, a significant milestone for the country’s renewable energy transition and its goal of reaching Net Zero by 2050.
In addition to providing the national grid with an additional 1,400 megawatts of clean electricity capacity, Unit 4 will further advance the UAE’s efforts to improve grid stability and energy security by providing a plentiful supply of zero-emission electricity around the clock. This represents a significant step toward full-fleet operations.
Unit 4’s grid connection confirms Barakah Plant’s pivotal role in the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy and its substantial contribution to the country’s clean energy portfolio. It not only positions the UAE as a pioneer in nuclear energy and decarbonization, but it also helps the nation achieve its lofty climate goals.
The UAE’s dedication to diversifying its energy sources is demonstrated by the operational preparedness of all four units, which will guarantee the stability and sustainability of the country’s energy industry for the ensuing 60 years.
HE Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, observed that,“We are proud to have achieved another critical milestone for the Barakah Plant, which stands as a testament to the UAE’s leadership in the development of large-scale multi-unit nuclear fleets. Grid connection of Unit 4 puts us well on the path to full-fleet commercial operations, and with that, the ability to generate 40 terawatt-hours (TWh) of clean, baseload electricity annually to drive our Net Zero economy, offering a competitive edge to many businesses, decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries, while presenting a global benchmark for the entire nuclear energy industry.”
It will soon be just a few months until the fourth unit begins commercial operations. Unit 4 will go through a process called Power Ascension Testing (PAT), which involves progressively increasing power levels after grid connection. The procedure will comply with all local legal requirements as well as the highest international standards of safety, quality, and security. It will be tested and monitored continually until the maximum amount of power generation is achieved.