The 1,400 MW Unit One of the Barakah plant now provides reliable, and sustainable electricity around the clock.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has announced the launch of commercial operations at Unit One of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

The UAE government entity mandated to deliver the nuclear programme, Enec is a part of ADQ, one of the region’s largest holding companies.

The Emirati firm confirmed that its operating and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah) had successfully started commercial operations of the first unit of Barakah Plant, following the completion of all testing activities.

The 1,400 MW Unit One is now providing constant, reliable, and sustainable electricity around the clock, with three further units to begin generating in the coming years. As a result, Enec is now leading the largest decarbonisation effort of any industry in the UAE to date.

Lauding the achievement, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, said it was a significant milestone in the UAE’s long-term roadmap for sustainable, knowledge-based economic prosperity, benefiting many generations to come.

Enec Chairman Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak said: “Our investment in pioneering technologies and the decarbonisation of our electricity production not only advances the UAE’s clean energy leadership but also produces tangible socioeconomic and environmental benefits. We congratulate all of our partners as we continue  to support the prosperity and sustainable growth of our country.”

Enec’s subsidiary Barakah One Company had signed a power purchase agreement with the Emirates Water and Electricity Company (Ewec) in 2016 to purchase all power generated at the plant for the next 60 years. Electricity produced at Barakah Plant feeds into the national grid in the same manner as other energy plants, providing clean electricity to homes and businesses across the country.