Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, said that the UAE is continuing its move towards environmentally friendly energy sources to fulfill its international obligations regarding climate change.
He said that the UAE will achieve the objectives to diversify energy sources and its ambitious strategic initiative for climate neutrality by 2050, thanks to the vision of the wise leadership of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In his statement on the beginning of the process of loading fuel assemblies into the reactor after receiving the Operating License from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) for Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Al Dhafra Region, Sheikh Hamdan said that successive achievements at Barakah Plant contribute significantly to the success of the UAE’s strategy to build a diversified and knowledge-based economy.
He said that the successes at the Barakah Plant affirm UAE’s forward-looking vision and keenness to ensure a safe and prosperous future.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “With this achievement the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is close to achieving its multiple economic, social and environmental objectives.”
He said, “The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has become one of the premier pillars of sustainable development in the country due to the abundant and environmentally-friendly power.”
He added that the Barakah Plant has a key role, “In transformation of the energy sector in the country towards sources that are free of carbon emissions thereby accelerating the reduction of the carbon footprint in this sector.”
Sheikh Hamdan said, “One of the most important achievements of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program as per the directives of the wise leadership is the development of a scientific human cadre specialized in the technically advanced nuclear energy sector.”
He hailed the achievements of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and the pivotal role of Emirati cadres. It enables the country to continue to enhance its advanced stature on the global map, consolidate its reputation as a global capital of energy.
Sheikh Hamdan said, “Emirati competencies in this sector have become important assets for the UAE as it is the most significant guarantee for the sustainability and excellence of the program.”
He said that Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program will help support efforts to fulfill the UAE’s commitments to the Paris Climate Agreement, confront climate change and to reach climate neutrality in the country by 2050.
Sheikh Hamdan said the UAE was the first country in the region to launch initiatives to achieve this goal.