Sharjah 24 – WAM: Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, met with a delegation from the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its subsidiaries at the Palm Palace to discuss the commercial operations of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the UAE and the latest updates of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.
Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the UAE’s fast-paced action against climate change and the positive impact of clean nuclear energy to the leadership’s vision for the clean energy transition, as Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant begins commercial operations.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the vital role of nuclear energy in ensuring energy security and enhancing sustainable development in the UAE to achieve the UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative.
He congratulated the teams at the Barakah Plant on the continuous and exceptional achievements of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, which have enhanced the global reputation of the nation in the clean energy sector, thanks to the directives of the country’s wise leadership and their continuous support for the UAE Programme and the Barakah Plant.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed on developing Emirati talents in the nuclear energy sector as being of the upmost importance, along with continuing to build on the Nation’s R&D capabilities in order to keep pace with the latest developments in the nuclear energy sector.
The delegation comprising officials from ENEC, and its subsidiaries presented the latest updates on the Barakah Plant, with three Units of the Barakah Plant are reliably generating up to 4,200 MW of carbon-free electricity from the three operational reactors. Unit 4 is undergoing final tests before construction completion is declared, and the unit is handed over for operational readiness preparations.
Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed by the delegation on ENEC’s future strategy, as it is currently focusing on research and development, with opportunities for clean molecule production, such as clean hydrogen, and investment in nuclear energy projects both locally and abroad. ENEC is also exploring opportunities in advanced technologies in nuclear energy, including Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and the next generation of nuclear reactors. The Barakah Plant is a catalyst for innovation in other civil applications of nuclear energy, such as those in medicine, agriculture and aerospace.
