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Nuclear energy ambitions near inflection point in the Middle East

A picture taken on August 10, 2017 shows the sign and logo of the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) at its premises in the capital Abu Dhabi. At the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in Abu Dhabi, dozens of employees are reviewing the 15,000-page application for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, scheduled to launch next year. / AFP PHOTO / KARIM SAHIB (Photo credit should read KARIM SAHIB/AFP via Getty Images)
To:

Al-Monitor Readers

From:

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst, Al-Monitor

Date:

Apr. 21, 2024

Bottom Line:

The UAE is on the verge of generating up to 25% of electricity from a single clean energy source: Abu Dhabi’s $20 billion Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, which fully connected to the national electricity grid in March 2024 as its fourth (and final) reactor unit successfully commenced startup operations. As Barakah — the Arab world’s first commercial nuclear facility — approaches full operational capacity, the Middle East is potentially on the cusp of a long-awaited nuclear age, headlined by Saudi Arabia gunning for a controversial civilian nuclear power program of its own, among other developments. Crucially, this unfolds as the embattled nuclear energy sector could be poised for a global revival, creating opportunities for Gulf investors. Case in point: news surfaced March 29 that the UAE is pursuing European nuclear energy investments.