The systems of the third station were handed over, in preparation for the start of the operational preparations stage, leading to its start-up and the production of environmentally friendly electric power in 2023, to join the first station that started commercial operation, and the second station that was linked to the main electricity network of the UAE, and is currently witnessing a process of raising levels The power of the reactor with the accompanying tests, according to what was reported by the “WAM” agency..
This new achievement was announced on the occasion of “Energy Day” on the sidelines of the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change “COP26” In Glasgow, which embodies the progress made by the UAE in the process of transitioning to environmentally friendly energy sources, accelerating the reduction of the carbon footprint of the energy sector, reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy production to keep pace with the increase in demand for electricity.
While the UAE seeks to host the Conference of the States Parties to the United Nations Convention on Climate Change “COP28” In 2023, this highlights the tangible efforts made by the country to reduce carbon emissions within the framework of its climate commitments, and its recent launch of the Climate Neutrality Strategy 2050 initiative..
This new achievement means that the Barakah plants will soon add another 1,400 megawatts of carbon-free electricity, consolidating the UAE’s leading role in the environmentally friendly energy sector..
The completion of the construction works of the third plant highlights the great progress made by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation in terms of ongoing efforts to confront climate change, and support the efforts of the UAE to fulfill its commitments to increase reliance on environmentally friendly energy through the use of nuclear energy technology in the production of primary load electricity to support energy sources Renewable and intermittent energy.
Barakah plants play a leading role in reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector in the country, as the first plant in Barakah became in April 2021 the largest single source of electricity in the region, producing environmentally friendly electricity 24/7.
With the second Barakah station connected to the state electricity grid in September 2021, the Barakah stations have become at the fore in efforts to reduce carbon emissions in the country, and move forward towards doubling the amount of environmentally friendly electricity produced by the stations..
By 2050, the Barakah plants are expected to reduce carbon emissions in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi by 50 percent, which indicates the great capabilities of nuclear energy in the production of primary load electricity without any carbon emissions..
The third plant in Barakah will now move to the next stage, which is to complete the operational preparations, tests, regulatory oversight and international reviews required to obtain an operating license from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the independent regulator responsible for regulating the nuclear sector in the UAE..
During its development stages, the third plant in Barakah completed a number of individual and combined tests, including a cold water balance test, a structural integrity test, an integrated leak rate test, and a thermal performance test, as part of the first phase of the initial testing program aimed at ensuring the operation of the systems The plant is in accordance with the highest standards applicable in the nuclear energy sector, as well as ensuring continued commitment to this during the operation phase and throughout the coming decades.
Prior to the issuance of the FANR operating license for the third plant, FANR conducts detailed inspections and reviews of all aspects of the plant and the operating company.
In addition to the extensive review process by the authority, and in line with the commitments made by the UAE in 2008 to adhere to the highest standards of safety, security, quality, non-proliferation and operational transparency, the third plant and its operational team will be subject to a number of evaluations by independent international experts in nuclear energy from the World Association of Nuclear Operators.
The Barakah plants in the Al Dhafra region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, are one of the largest nuclear power plants in the world, and it includes 4 advanced power reactors. APR-140 Construction began in 2012, and has progressed steadily since then, with the total completion rate of the four stations reaching more than 96 percent.
When fully operational, the four Barakah plants will produce 5.6 gigawatts of carbon-neutral electricity for more than 60 years.
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