The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC)has showcased nuclear energy’s major contribution to achieving the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic targets during participation at the 66thInternational Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna from 26 to 30 September. ENEC was represented at the UAE’s exhibition stand as part of the event, as well as at a side event on 28 September,which highlighted the benefits the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is delivering on the ground today in pursuit of Net Zero 2050.
Under the theme “Ahead of the curve in powering Net Zero through ensuring energy security and sustainability”, discussions at the side event focused on the benefits that the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant – the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab World – brings to the UAE from a sustainability, energy security and energy diversification perspective. Within a decade, peaceful nuclear energy has transformed the UAE’s energy sector, ensuring the nation is accelerating its efforts to achieve Net Zero by 2050. The side event highlighted the opportunities that the Barakah Nuclear EnergyPlant offers on sustainability, energy security and energy diversification.
Alongside ENEC, His Excellency Hamad AlKaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA and Mr. Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR, presented the progress on the UAE’s regulatory and safety infrastructure, and shared insights into the UAE’s work with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Throughout the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, ENEC received invaluable support from both the IAEA, which supported the development of the both the infrastructure and human capital required for a safe, secure and successful nuclear energy program.
The Barakah Plant is already providing a clean, reliable and secure baseload source of electricity for the UAE, sustainably powering homes, businesses and high-tech industries, while accelerating the decarbonization of the nation’s power sector – and playing a vital role in achieving the goals of the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
At the Barakah Plant, both Units 1 and 2 are commercially operating, providing an abundant source of safe, clean and reliable electricity, every minute of the day. The start-up of Unit 3 was announced last week, while Unit 4 is in the final stages of commissioning prior to completion of construction. The Plant is a catalyst driving innovation and R&D in areas like clean hydrogen and SMR development, to facilitate the sustainable growth of local industries. When fully operational, the Plant will meet up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity demand and prevent 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions – the leading cause of climate change – every year.