UAE's first nuclear power plant marks 'significant milestone' in construction

Two more reactor units have been connected to the national electricity grid

Barakah's units Three and Four are now connected to the national electricity grid. Courtesy Enec

The UAE's first nuclear power plant has announced that the final two of its four reactors are now connected to the country’s electricity grid.

The development is described as a “significant milestone” by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ahead of the nuclear plant’s activation expected later this year.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will have four reactors, or units, when fully operational. Connecting Units Three and Four to the grid will allow the next stage of testing and the completion of auxiliary buildings on the site, which is in the Western Region near Ruwais.

Enec said it has also initiated a process known as hot function testing on Unit Two, which prepares the reactor for the loading of its uranium fuel rods.

These tests have already been completed on Unit One, which will be the first reactor to begin generating electricity after the current phase of commissioning and testing.

Mohammed Al Hammadi, chief executive of Enec said, “I am proud of the continued adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety displayed by our teams here in Barakah, the largest nuclear construction site in the world.

“Their commitment and dedication is a key factor in the continued construction of this strategic project that will power the growth of the UAE, and which is now more than 85 per cent complete."

Once fully operational, the Barakah power plant is expected to produce a quarter of the UAE’s energy as well as save 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.