ABU DHABI, UAE – The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) Saturday announced that Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has successfully been connected to the UAE’s transmission grid.
Unit 3 will add another 1,400 megawatts of zero-carbon emission electricity capacity to the national grid, a major step forward in guaranteeing UAE energy security and energy sustainability to tackle climate change.
With both Units 1 and 2 already in commercial operation and Unit 3 close to begin in the coming months – Barakah is accelerating the decarbonisation of the power sector which forms an essential component of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said, “Our leadership’s long-term vision and decisions more than 13 years ago are paying dividends today as we celebrate another proud moment for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.”
He 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 US$4bn worth of gas which can be diverted for export, and through Clean Energy Certification, gives many companies in the UAE a unique competitive advantage.”
He added, “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.”
Following 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.
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.
