The United Arab Emirates has reached a significant milestone in its energy sector by completing the Arab world’s first nuclear power plant. Once fully operational, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi is expected to supply 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs.

According to the state-owned Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the plant will generate 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually after its fourth and final reactor is commercially operated.

The plant will power major companies such as the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Emirates Steel, and Emirates Global Aluminium.

Barakah began operations in 2020 with the launch of its first reactor. Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan hailed the completion as a “significant step” toward the UAE’s net-zero goals, emphasizing a continued commitment to energy security and sustainability.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, has also unveiled plans to build nuclear reactors. The International Atomic Energy Agency estimates that the plant must be decommissioned in 60 to 80 years.

Although the UAE is a major oil producer within OPEC, it has invested heavily in renewable energy, aiming to meet half of its energy needs from renewables by 2050.

The country also hosts one of the world’s largest solar plants outside Abu Dhabi. Last year, the UAE hosted the COP28 UN climate talks, which resulted in a global agreement to “transition away” from fossil fuels.

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