A number of top officials have said that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme has become an international model for the production of environmentally friendly energy, as it provides a rapid approach to reducing the carbon footprint of the energy sector in the country, as well as enhancing energy security, contributing to the resilience of networks and contributing to facing climate change.
Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the UAE to Austria, and Permanent Representative of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency, said, “I am proud to see Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant begin commercial operations, delivering 24/7 safe, reliable and zero-carbon electricity to the UAE.
“The UAE has worked directly with the IAEA throughout the delivery of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, implementing the best international practices and the highest standards of quality and safety. The UAE programme is an international role model for clean energy generation, spearheading the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.
“We look forward to sharing our experience with the global community to support responsible newcomer nations in incorporating this abundant source of zero emissions baseload electricity into their energy mix.”
Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the USA, added, “The start of commercial operations of Unit 2 is a great achievement for the UAE, which has worked with international partners throughout the past decade to ensure the delivery of safe, clean, reliable and zero-carbon electricity.
“The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program is playing a critical role in decarbonizing the power sector while reinforcing energy security and grid resilience. This development is an important step for the UAE in achieving our 2050 net-zero emissions target to tackle climate change.
“A significant milestone in this journey occurred over 10 years ago with the signing of the U.S.-UAE 123 Agreement, the most robust bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement in history.”
He added, “Working with both political parties and spanning two administrations, the UAE voluntarily made the strongest possible nonproliferation commitments, forgoing domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear material. The agreement has proven incredibly resilient. It is a powerful affirmation of the UAE’s strong relationship with the US government and our commercial partners.”
Jasim Husain Thabet, TAQA Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, said, “As the first nuclear power plant in the region, the milestone of Barakah’s Unit 2 starting commercial operations is something we are all proud of and I congratulate the ENEC team. I am also proud that TAQA’s transmission company, Transco, has been able to play its part by providing the connection to the power grid so that the low carbon electricity from Barakah can be brought to the homes and businesses of Abu Dhabi and beyond.”
Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), on the occasion of the commencement of Unit 2 Commercial Operations of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, commented, “With the commencement of Unit 2 commercial operations of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi, the UAE is demonstrating the transformative effect of nuclear energy on our nation’s clean energy transition. Today, the amount of clean electricity generated has doubled in less than a year since Unit 1 was added to the power grid.
“With two more units to follow and against the backdrop of spiralling global natural gas prices, the significance of the nuclear sector in clean, commercially-competitive energy generation only grows. Each unit brings the UAE a step closer to Net Zero 2050, and as the first nation in the region to commit to this target, this project illustrates a proven and sustainable approach to tackling climate change.
“As many nations around the globe recognize the essential role of nuclear energy as part of a diversified energy mix, the UAE offers a case study on the successful delivery of new build nuclear.”
Othman Al Ali, CEO of EWEC, commenting on Unit 2 Barakah Commercial Operations Milestone, said, “We’re proud to witness the progress and success of our partner Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation with the start of Unit 2 commercial operations of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Through our partnership with Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, we are able to supply zero-carbon emissions electricity, and significantly reduce the UAE’s carbon footprint in support of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative.”
Awaidha Murshed Al Marar, the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), has said, that doubling the power output from the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to produce zero-emission electricity 24/7 for the nation is a step forward in renewing the UAE’s energy mix towards clean and sustainable energy.
He added, “It is a testament to our commitment to enable the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative and positions us to boost social growth, environmental protection, and industrial development.
“With the Barakah plant on track to add a 47% clean energy share to Abu Dhabi’s energy mix by 2025, nuclear is certainly a critical contributor to Abu Dhabi’s plans for energy transition, energy security, and sustainable economic development.”
Ahmed Belajer Al Rumaithi, the Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DoE), has said that entry of Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant into commercial operation reflects the UAE’s approach of turning vision into reality.
“It gets us closer to realizing the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative,” he said.
“Today we have reached the half-way mark of supplying up to a quarter of the country’s electricity needs from a reliable, zero-carbon source of energy. This is a proud moment and a remarkable milestone in our journey towards a sustainable electricity system and a low-carbon economy. Our warmest congratulations to all the teams involved,” he concluded.
Mariam bint Mohammed Almheiri, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, said, “In line with its Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE is committed to rapidly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to tackle climate change head on. The start of commercial operations of Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a milestone in the nation’s efforts to decarbonize its power sector by increasing the share of clean energy to 50 percent by 2050. The Barakah Plant is a powerhouse of sustainability and a key enabler of our ambitious net-zero agenda.”
”Once all four units come online, the plant will supply 25 percent of the UAE’s electricity while preventing 22.4 million tons of carbon emissions annually. Congratulations to ENEC and its subsidiaries on leading the largest decarbonization effort in the Arab world!”
Source: Emirates News Agency