UAE Goes Nuclear: How the United Arab Emirates Embraced Nuclear Energy

When you think of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), what comes to mind? The sail-shaped Burj Al Arab hotel, the world’s tallest skyscraper Burj Khalifa, Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, or luxury cars like Lamborghini cruising Dubai’s streets? But a nuclear power plant? Surprisingly, Barakah—the Arabic word for “blessing”—is the first nuclear power plant built in the Arab World. Located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, about 300 km from the UAE capital, Barakah cost $32 billion to construct.

This plant comprises four APR1400 pressurized water reactors with a combined capacity of 5,348 MWe. The technology was supplied by a consortium led by South Korea’s Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO).

Construction began on July 18, 2012. The first reactor became operational in April 2021, followed by the second in March 2022, the third in February 2023, and the fourth in September 2024. The launch of the final reactor marked a significant milestone in the UAE’s journey toward energy security and sustainable development, as highlighted by UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in a social media post on September 5, 2024.

First Things First: UAE’s Path to Nuclear Energy

Before construction began in 2012, the UAE took several preparatory steps to bring its nuclear vision to life. Here are the key milestones that led to the establishment of the Middle East’s first nuclear power plant:

1. December 2006: Six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar, and Oman—announced a study on the peaceful use of nuclear energy.
2. February 2007: These nations agreed with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to conduct a feasibility study on a regional nuclear energy and water desalination program.
3. April 2008: The UAE published a comprehensive nuclear policy titled “Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy.” The policy emphasized safety, transparency, and environmental responsibility, noting that nuclear power is a proven, environmentally friendly, and economically viable option to support the UAE’s energy security and economic growth. This policy laid the groundwork for the regulatory framework needed for the project.
4. 2009: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) was established to oversee the country’s nuclear energy plans.
5. December 2009: ENEC selected a KEPCO-led consortium, which included companies like Hyundai Engineering & Construction, Samsung, Doosan Heavy Industries, and Westinghouse, to implement the project.

A Cornerstone of the UAE’s Energy Transition

Today, the fully operational Barakah nuclear power plant generates 40 TWh of electricity annually, meeting 25% of the UAE’s electricity demand with zero-emission energy. The plant prevents 22.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually – the equivalent of removing over 3 million cars from the roads – significantly benefiting the environment.

Nuclear energy plays a central role in the UAE’s plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The first phase of the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, targeted for completion by 2030, includes ambitious goals such as reducing emissions in the energy and water sectors, tripling the share of renewable energy, and increasing the share of clean energy – including nuclear – to 30% of the energy mix.

Beyond Energy and the Environment

The development of Barakah is not just about clean energy; it has also spurred economic and scientific advancements. The project has created a new industrial sector and educational opportunities for Emiratis. Over 2,000 skilled UAE nationals contributed to the project, and local companies received contracts worth $6.7 billion, boosting the national nuclear industry and building expertise for future projects.

In August 2023, KEPCO, Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power, and ENEC initiated talks to expand the Barakah complex with two additional reactors, also APR1400s with a capacity of 1,400 MWe each.

A Model for the Future

The UAE’s nuclear program symbolizes its transformation from a fossil-fuel-dependent nation into a modern economy focused on sustainability and energy security. Perhaps in a few decades, the UAE will be recognized as a pioneer of zero-emission technologies in the region, with nuclear reactors becoming as iconic to the desert landscape as the Burj Khalifa.

[1] https://www.power-technology.com/projects/barakah-nuclear-power-plant-abu-dhabi/

[2] https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/enec-starts-construction-of-uaes-first-nuclear-energy-plant-1.1051362

[3] https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/united-arab-emirates#Fuelcycle

[4]https://x.com/MohamedBinZayed/status/1831594761708245269

[5] https://www.enec.gov.ae/doc/uae-peaceful-nuclear-energy-policy-5722278a2952f.pdf

[6] https://world-nuclear.org/information-library/country-profiles/countries-t-z/united-arab-emirates#Notes_references

[7] https://www.moei.gov.ae/en/about-ministry/energy-strategies-to-achieve-net-zero

[8] https://www.mediaoffice.abudhabi/en/energy/unit-4-of-abu-dhabis-barakah-nuclear-energy-plant-begins-commercial-operations/