Committed to clean energy

The first nuclear power plant in the UAE will lower our carbon footprint and emissions

The first and second reactors at the nuclear power plant in Barakah, Western Region of Abu Dhabi. Christopher Pike / The National

In a region recently associated with rogue and reckless nuclear programmes, the announcement that the UAE’s first nuclear power plant will be operational in May is a rare demonstration of transparency. Not only will this power plant help the country reach its low energy emissions targets through the creation of clean and reliable power but also the plant will operate according to leading regulatory standards. The UAE is demonstrating to the world the role and necessity of transparency in nuclear power.

During the plant’s initial phase, which is focused on testing and operating that plant in a limited capacity, representatives from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) will be on hand to see how that nuclear material is being used for peaceful purposes. According to the UAE ambassador to the IAEA, Hamad Alkaabi, there will be international “safeguards teams to ensure all surveillance and control measures are in place and in line with IAEA requirements”.

As Iran and North Korea continue to antagonise the international community with their clandestine nuclear programmes, the UAE is demonstrating how a small country can harness the power of nuclear energy for good. Once the power plant is online, the IAEA will be able to point to the UAE as the model for how nuclear power should be handled.

In a country rich in hydrocarbons, the introduction of a new nuclear plant sends another critical message. The leadership has set ambitious targets to lower the UAE’s carbon footprint and realise goals of operating a clean energy infrastructure. Coupled with carbon neutral projects such as Masdar, nuclear power is a proven source of environmentally friendly energy.

Leading by example, especially when it comes to such a delicate issue as nuclear power, is a sure-fire method of creating a safe and more prosperous region. We are committed to our principles of safe and secure nuclear energy as well as a lower carbon footprint. It is now time for our neighbours to follow suit and help us create a better tomorrow.