UAE expands nuclear power plant, doubles electricity production
The UAE is still reliant on oil and gas, though nuclear energy is rising in the country and across the region.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced today the expansion of its nuclear power plant.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation said that Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is now operational, providing 1,400 megawatts to the UAE’s national grid. This brings the total electricity produced by the nuclear power facility to 2,800 megawatts, the official Emirates News Agency reported.
Why it matters: In 2020, the UAE became the first country in the Arab world to operate a nuclear power plant. The move is part of the UAE’s efforts to diversify its economy and rely less on foreign oil sales for government revenue.
In December, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency visited the UAE to discuss cooperation with energy officials. He praised the peaceful purposes of the UAE’s nuclear energy program at the time.
