The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear power station, located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi approximately 280 kilometres west of the city. The plant comprises four APR-1400 pressurised water reactors with a combined capacity of approximately 5.6 gigawatts, providing a significant share of the UAE’s electricity generation.
Development
The Barakah programme was initiated in 2009 when the UAE’s Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) selected the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) consortium to design, build, and help operate the plant. Construction began in 2012. Unit 1 commenced commercial operations in 2021, with subsequent units reaching commercial operation progressively through 2024. The project was delivered broadly on schedule and within its approximate $25 billion budget.
Operator
Nawah Energy Company, a subsidiary of ENEC, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah plant. The operating workforce includes both Emirati and international nuclear professionals. The UAE has invested in training Emirati nationals for nuclear operations as part of its long-term human capital development strategy.
Energy Contribution
At full capacity, Barakah produces up to 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity demand while producing virtually zero carbon emissions during operation. This makes the plant the single largest decarbonisation initiative in the UAE, displacing millions of tonnes of carbon dioxide annually that would otherwise be generated by natural gas-fired power stations.
Non-Proliferation
The UAE’s nuclear programme was developed under a comprehensive non-proliferation framework. The UAE signed a bilateral 123 Agreement with the United States and committed to forgoing domestic uranium enrichment and spent fuel reprocessing. The programme operates under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards and has been cited as a model for responsible nuclear energy development.
Role in Vision 2030
Barakah supports the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030’s energy diversification and sustainability objectives. The plant reduces the UAE’s dependence on natural gas for electricity generation, freeing gas volumes for export or industrial use. Nuclear power provides baseload electricity at predictable cost, contributing to the energy security and economic stability that the vision identifies as foundations for long-term development. Barakah demonstrates Abu Dhabi’s willingness to invest at scale in energy infrastructure that extends well beyond the hydrocarbon era.