Daijiworld Media Network - Abu Dhabi (SD)
Abu Dhabi, Aug 1: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced that the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant's Unit 1 has successfully begun operating by the Nawah Energy Company, beginning a new era of carbon emissions-free electricity in the UAE.
Unit 1 would be connected to the UAE's electricity grid to deliver the first megawatts of clean electricity to the homes and businesses of the emirates. It is a part of UAE's initiative in generating clean electricity for the next 60 years.
Unit 1 has proved a success after comprehensive testing programmes prior to the start-up of the nuclear energy reactor of the Barakah Plant. "Today is a truly historic moment for the UAE. It is a culmination of more than a decade of vision, strategic planning and robust programme management," CEO of ENEC, Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said.
"Despite the recent global challenges, our team has demonstrated outstanding resilience and commitment to the safe delivery of Unit 1. We are now another step closer to achieving our goal of supplying up to a quarter of our Nation's electricity needs and powering its future growth with safe, reliable, and emissions-free electricity," he added.
"The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will deliver 25 per cent of the UAE's electricity with zero carbon emissions while also supporting economic diversification by creating thousands of high-value jobs through the establishment of a sustainable local nuclear energy industry and supply chain."
"I am especially proud of our talented Emirati engineers and nuclear professionals who contributed to the construction of Unit 1, alongside our international experts, to ensure the safe and sustainable operations of the unit for decades to come," he added