The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation's (ENEC) operating and maintenance subsidiary Nawah Energy Company has received the Operating License from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) for Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.
The process of loading fuel assemblies into the reactor has begun in line with all national regulations and the highest international standards.
With Unit 3 now approved to operate alongside Units 1 and 2, this milestone demonstrates the substantial and swift progress that has been made in developing nuclear energy as a strategically significant, clean and abundant source of electricity for the UAE.
His Excellency Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “We are delighted to receive the Operating License for Unit 3, and we look forward to the start of reliable electricity production alongside Units 1 and 2 in the coming months.
"As we count with Unit 3, we are rapidly delivering a practical climate solution on the ground, enabling the UAE’s large-scale decarbonization efforts alongside its economic growth, and leading the way to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
In addition, all voluntary reviews by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) have been successfully completed.
Prior to the license from FANR, WANO completed a Pre Start-Up Review (PSUR), confirming the Unit’s readiness for operation.
This is the third Unit that will enter the operational phase in the last three years, leveraging the expertise and experience of the operating teams, and the knowledge gained during the loading of fuel into Unit 1 in February 2020 and Unit 2 in March 2021.
With the completion of the fuel load process, the operations team will proceed with preparations for start-up of the Unit later this year, followed by the delivery of the first megawatts of clean and reliable electricity.
For more than a decade, ENEC has implemented a robust training and qualifications program to ensure that it has the certified nuclear plant operators and engineers to safely operate three nuclear units at the same time.
Nawah's CEO, Engineer Ali Al Hammadi said: “Receiving the third Operating License for the Barakah Plant is the result of over 520 rigorous reviews to date from our independent regulator, FANR, of which 120 are related specifically to Unit 3.
"The reviews cover every aspect of the plant to ensure we are ready to operate in line with national regulatory requirements.
"Successfully passing these reviews is testament to the expertise we have developed and the outstanding operating experience of our teams, made up of highly-skilled and qualified UAE Nationals and international experts."
When it begins to operate at full power, the third Unit will add a further 1,400 MWs of zero-carbon emission electricity to the national grid, similar to each of the other two reactor Units, propelling the country ahead in meeting its goal of achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.
The Barakah Plant is the only multi-unit nuclear energy plant operating in the Arab world.
A powerhouse for the nation’s sustainable development and stability, the Plant generates high-value jobs and stimulates the growth of local industries.
Barakah also provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today and for the next 60 years and beyond, through rapid decarbonization of the energy sector.
When fully operational, the Plant will prevent 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions - the leading cause of climate change - every year.
The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, is one of the largest nuclear energy plants in the world, with four APR-1400 Units. Unit 4 is in the final stages of commissioning prior to construction completion.