ENEC celebrates 10 years since the start of construction

Through round the clock generation of clean electricity, Unit 1 of the Barakah Plant accelerates decarbonisation, innovation and progress towards the UAE’s Net Zero

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its subsidiaries are celebrating the 10-year anniversary since the start of construction of Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

With the world’s governments focused on how to resolve the dual challenges of energy security and climate change, the UAE is ahead of the curve because of its long-term energy strategy and significant investment in nuclear energy and other clean sources that began more than a decade ago. This approach is paying dividends today, driving the Nation’s climate change efforts, giving local companies a unique competitive advantage through access to clean energy certificates to power business, in addition to advancing R&D and innovation. The contract for the development of the Barakah Plant was awarded in December 2009, with construction beginning three years later in 2012. What has followed has been a highly focused program of work to deliver the Arab World’s first nuclear energy plant in line with national regulations and international standards. On 18 July 2012 the first concrete pouring took place and construction was completed in May 2017. In April 2021, the

UAE celebrated the start of Unit 1 commercial operations and clean, abundant electricity, every minute of the day – powering

UAE homes, businesses and high-tech industries, rapidly accelerating decarbonization of the country’s power sector as the UAE progresses towards Net Zero by 2050.

“Our leadership took a decision more than a decade ago to develop one of the world’s most advanced nuclear energy projects that in the coming years will provide a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, with zero carbon emissions, providing energy security for the UAE while in parallel driving the UAE’s Net Zero ambitions,” said Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of ENEC.