Barakah nuclear power plant reaches 4,200 MW capacity

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates has begun commercial operation of its Unit 3, marking a significant milestone in the country's peaceful Nuclear Power Program. With an additional 1,400 MW of generating capacity, the plant now provides up to 4,200 MW of clean, reliable electricity to the grid around the clock.

Share:

The United Arab Emirates has reached a major milestone in its Peaceful Nuclear Power Program with the commercial operation of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. According to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), this achievement comes less than a year after the commissioning of Unit 2 of the plant. Nawah Energy Company, the operation and maintenance subsidiary of the Barakah plant, is now in charge of the commercial operations of Unit 3.

An additional 1,400 megawatts of power

With the addition of Unit 3, the Barakah plant provides up to 4,200 megawatts of clean, reliable 24-hour power generation to the grid. The peaceful nuclear power program is in line with the country’s goals of reducing carbon emissions and achieving a net zero carbon footprint by 2050. Unit 3 was brought into commercial operation faster than the first two units, with a reduction of four months for Unit 2 and more than five months for Unit 1, thanks to the experience gained by the operational teams at the Barakah plant.

An example for global energy diversification

ENEC’s Managing Director and CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said, “Barakah is a successful example for other countries seeking to diversify their energy portfolios during a time of global energy crises. With three units in commercial operation, we are providing energy security, stimulating sustainable economic growth, encouraging innovation and helping to achieve our strategy of a net zero carbon footprint by 2050.” He also stressed the importance of nuclear energy in the fight against climate change, which will be presented at the COP28 in November 2023 in the United Arab Emirates.

Strict safety standards

The Federal Nuclear Regulatory Authority (FANR) has confirmed that Nawah has met all regulatory requirements for the start of commercial operation. “The commercial operation of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is another great achievement that is the result of significant efforts over the past years since the establishment of the UAE Nuclear Power Program,” said FANR Director General Christer Viktorsson.

FANR will continue to inspect the oversight activities of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant during the operational phase to ensure that all requirements are met.

 

The US Department of Energy has selected Westinghouse and Radiant Nuclear to conduct the first nuclear microreactor tests at the DOME experimental centre located in Idaho, with operational start expected in spring 2026.
GE Vernova Hitachi Nuclear Energy and Fortum announce partnership aimed at preparing for the potential deployment of small modular reactors in Finland and Sweden, with commissioning scheduled for the 2030s.
Energy Fuels Inc. announced record production of 638,700 pounds of uranium during the second quarter of 2025 at its Pinyon Plain mine in Arizona, significantly surpassing initial site performance forecasts.
Argentina and Peru have signed an agreement expanding their scientific and technological cooperation in the civil nuclear field, including joint research projects and specialised training programmes for future development.
After several decades without funding nuclear projects, the World Bank has formed a strategic partnership with the IAEA to provide technical and financial support to countries integrating nuclear energy into their energy strategies.
South Korea's Nuclear Safety and Security Commission officially validates the decommissioning of reactor number one at the Kori plant, initiating an unprecedented project for the national industry scheduled to last until 2037.
Uranium producer enCore Energy surpasses three thousand pounds per day at its Alta Mesa ISR complex and sees three new Texas laws as a strong signal for faster nuclear production permits.
The International Atomic Energy Agency expresses concerns over Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles following the abrupt suspension of inspections at key sites disrupted by recent attacks whose consequences remain uncertain.
NPCIL has announced an extension until September 30 for industrial proposals concerning Bharat Small Reactors (BSR), following increased interest from the Indian private sector.
A regional court has upheld the award of two new reactors in the Czech Republic to Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, dismissing Électricité de France’s challenge to the €16bn contract in a decisive step for the national energy programme.
Facing rising temperatures, EDF anticipates cuts in nuclear production starting early July, primarily due to thermal constraints on rivers used for cooling the power plants.
The preliminary agreement launches planning and site assessment for a tailored AP1000 reactor, following two years of feasibility study, and enlists Westinghouse and Hyundai to support Fortum’s regional nuclear expansion.
Donald Trump's unprecedented decision to dismiss Christopher Hanson, a member of the NRC, provokes outrage among former federal officials and raises concerns over the regulatory independence of the U.S. nuclear sector.
Uranium Energy Corp strengthens its position in Anfield Energy Inc., now holding approximately 32.4% of the company’s shares following an investment of CAD19.55mn ($14.82mn), significantly expanding its strategic influence in the uranium market.
New York State plans an advanced nuclear power plant with a 1-gigawatt capacity to meet long-term energy and economic goals, involving significant investment to enhance regional energy independence.
Niger announces its intention to nationalize SOMAÏR, a mining company jointly owned with Orano, provoking strong opposition from the French company and paving the way for further international legal tensions.
Russia strengthens its economic presence in Mali with new agreements, notably in nuclear energy and gold refining, consolidating strategic cooperation within a rapidly evolving geopolitical context.
The US government grants a fourth payment of $100.45 mn to Holtec International to restart the Palisades Nuclear Plant, pending regulatory approval, marking an unprecedented event in the United States.
EDF announces a major agreement with Apollo to raise up to £4.5 billion via bonds to finance the British nuclear project Hinkley Point C, whose costs continue to rise significantly.
The Élysée proposes Anne-Isabelle Étienvre, current Director of Fundamental Research at the CEA, as General Administrator to replace François Jacq, recently appointed President of CNES.