Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is leveraging cutting-edge technology to provide reliable, zero-emissions electricity 24/7.
In an interview with Aletihad, Khaled Al Hashmi, a Lead Owners Group Specialist at ENEC, highlighted the pivotal role of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in advancing the UAE's energy transition and sustainability goals.
He noted that the APR 1400 nuclear reactor, of which there are four units at the Barakah Plant, generates a combined 40TWh every year 24/7 with zero emissions.
Al Hashmi explained that the reactor's efficient design powers turbines via steam produced from the heat that comes from nuclear fission, creating reliable, round-the-clock electricity that significantly reduces the carbon footprint compared to fossil fuels.
With the operational capability of four nuclear units, ENEC now meets 25% of the UAE's electricity demand, according to Al Hashmi.
He noted that the Barakah Plant also prevents the production of 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually - equivalent to removing 4.6 million cars from the roads each year, which makes it the biggest contributor to decarbonisation in the region.
Looking ahead, the UAE and ENEC are aligned with global efforts to triple nuclear energy capacity by 2050 to support the clean energy transition, with a commitment to the Paris Agreement and a goal of Net Zero by 2050.
The Barakah Plant has already made a significant impact, meeting 24% of the UAE Nationally Determined Contributions for 2030 as per the Paris Agreement, Al Hashmi noted.
