Today: 17 October 2025
20 June 2022
4 mins read

Barakah Unit 3 gears up for operation

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced that its operating and maintenance subsidiary Nawah Energy Company has received the Operating License from the UAE’s FANR…reports Asian Lite News

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced that its 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, and 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, while transforming the country’s energy landscape and enhancing national energy security.

Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, said: “We are delighted to receive the Operating License for Unit 3 at the Barakah Plant, 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 decarbonisation efforts alongside its economic growth, and leading the way to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. The success and benefits of bringing each Unit at Barakah into operation in consecutive years since Unit 1 in 2020 showcase the significant benefits of developing a multi-unit nuclear energy plant in driving energy security and sustainability for nations that commit to the long-term development process of a civil nuclear program.”

Receipt of the Unit 3 operating license confirms that the Plant, people, programmes, policies and procedures meet FANR’s robust standards, after conducting 120 unit-specific reviews and inspections. 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.

Engineer Ali Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, which is mandated to operate and maintain the Barakah Plant, commented: “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. As they make progress in bringing another unit into the operations phase, we are proud of our highly qualified professionals for their dedication and achieving the milestones in accordance with the highest standards of performance and operational excellence.”

ALSO READ:‘Future Heroes’ offers innovative experiences

When it begins to operate at full power within the coming months, the third Unit will add a further 1,400 megawatts 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.

Previous Story

US urges oil, gas producers, OPEC to increase output

Next Story

Seoul Book Fair To Honour Sharjah

Latest from -Top News

Kerala CM begins Gulf tour

Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan begins Gulf tour in Bahrain, engaging expatriate community and promoting welfare initiatives for NRKs, strengthening diaspora ties and showcasing Kerala’s development achievements….reports Asian Lite News Kerala Chief Minister

Green gold beneath the waves

Abu Dhabi, EAD and TotalEnergies launch seagrass restoration programme to protect marine biodiversity, store carbon, support dugongs, enhance fisheries, and lead global climate action initiatives….reports Asian Lite News As part of its

Microsoft joins UAE money push

The MoU sets the stage for a strategic partnership aimed at integrating AI across the UAE’s investment ecosystem….reports Asian Lite News The Ministry of Investment and Microsoft have signed a Memorandum of

EDGE unleashes cyber shield

The flagship platform, PROTECTION360, expands EDGE’s capabilities in continuous attack surface management….reports Asian Lite News EDGE, the UAE-based global advanced technology and defence conglomerate, has unveiled a suite of four cutting-edge cyber

UAE strengthens ties with WEF

During discussions, Sheikha Latifa highlighted the UAE’s commitment to fostering international collaboration and building frameworks that support forward-looking solutions to global challenges….reports Asian Lite News H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid
Go toTop

Don't Miss

Asia Pacific Group backs UAE’s bid to host COP28

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who is leading the

‘Expo provides global platform to share insights, perspectives’

Expo 2020 Dubai provides an excellent opportunity for the Member