Name of the Project
Barakah nuclear energy plant.
Location
In the western region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Project Owner/s
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).
Project Description
The project involves the construction of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant, comprising four APR1400 nuclear reactors.
The APR1400 is a pressurised water reactor and each unit produces up to 1 400 MW of electricity. The reactors have an operational life span of 60 years.
When fully operational, the four units of the plant will produce 5.6 GW of electricity while preventing the release of more than 21-million tons of carbon emissions every year.
Potential Job Creation
ENEC’s workforce of more than 1 700 employees will increase to about 2 500 to operate and maintain the plant.
Capital Expenditure
The project is valued at about $20-billion.
Planned Start/End Date
Construction began on Unit 1 in July 2012, with grid connection achieved in August 2020 and full power in December 2020. In April 2021, Barakah Unit 1 was declared commercially operational.
Construction on Unit 2 started in May 2013 and was completed in July 2020.
Construction of Unit 3 started in September 2014 and Unit 4 in September 2015.
Latest Developments
The ENEC has announced the startup of the second unit at UAE's Barakah nuclear power plant, 13 months after Barakah Unit 1 reached first criticality. The startup makes Barakah the first multi-unit nuclear power plant in the region.
Preparations will now continue towards grid connection and the start of commercial operations.
In the coming months, Unit 2 will be connected to the national electricity grid. Its operators will gradually raise the power levels during a process known as power ascension testing. The process will be continuously monitored and tested until maximum electricity production is reached, while adhering to all regulatory requirements and the highest international standards of safety, quality and security, ENEC has said.
Key Contracts, Suppliers and Consultants
Korean Electric Power Corporation (design, build and operate four 1 400 MW nuclear power plants).
Contact Details for Project Information
ENEC, tel +971 2 659 5555 or email info@enec.gov.ae.