Green is the new black, and to keep in line with this global fashion trend, nations across the world have been investing in renewable projects to lower their carbon footprints and push the green initiative. One particular nation’s grid will now be shaped by a four-reactor giant, resulting in 5,600 MW rising from the desert. This was not the first venture, as this nation has been lowering its carbon footprint one giant renewable project at a time. But exactly how renewable is this new venture?
Lowering the carbon footprint one giant project at a time
Just like many nations across the world, the Emirate of Abu Dhabi is seeking to decrease its carbon footprint. Its climate strategy, the Abu Dhabi Climate Change Strategy, has set a goal to achieve a 22% decrease in carbon emissions by 2027 compared to 2016 levels. This strategy aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 climate strategy.
According to the Abu Dhabi Government, they plan to achieve their goals with large-scale renewable energy projects such as Noor Abu Dhabi, which has a solar capacity of 1,170 MW to 1,200 MW, and Al Dhafra, with a capacity of 2,000 MW. Thus, these two projects alone have pushed Abu Dhabi’s installed solar capacity to over 3,000 MW. Now, the nation has decided to invest in its next venture, and it’s not solar.
A four-reactor giant will now shape the nation’s grid
Situated in the Al Dhafra of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf, approximately 53 km west-southwest of Al Dhannah City, is the new plant that reportedly produces 40TWh annually. This is equivalent to almost 25% of the UAE’s power demands. According to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), the Barakah Plant is the UAE’s largest source of power, with each MW produced carbon-free.
The Barakah Plant will be centered around nuclear energy and will comprise four APR1400 design nuclear reactors. The plant has the vital role of diversifying the UAE’s energy sources, as well as supplying clean, efficient power to industries, homes, businesses, and government facilities. Lastly, but just as important, it also decreases the nation’s carbon footprint.
According to Gulf Business, just like Africa’s new nuclear giant, this nuclear facility is about more than just power, as it cultivated an extremely skilled Emirati-led workforce, with more than 2,000 UAE nationals playing a role in development and operations.
Is it renewable or not? That is the question
According to ENEC, Barakah will prevent 22.4 million tonnes of emissions annually, and has prevented over 58 million tonnes since Unit 1 began operations one year ago. That’s the equivalent of removing 12 million vehicles. The plant has also contributed 75% of the UAE’s additional clean power per capita over the past five years.
“One year into full operations, Barakah Plant is delivering on its promise – clean, dependable power, around the clock. The achievement is due to a long-term vision, sustained investment, and a focus on high-quality execution at every stage. We’re incredibly proud of what Barakah represents for the UAE and for the global civil nuclear sector.” – Mohamed Al Hammadi, MD and CEO of ENEC
According to National Grid, nuclear power plants are fueled by uranium, which is a limited fuel that has to be mined. The isotope required is also relatively rare, which makes nuclear energy a non-renewable source, even though it produces clean, baseload power.
So, for those who are more inclined to technicalities, while the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant does not necessarily boost Abu Dhabi’s installed renewable energy capacity, it does lower the nation’s overall carbon footprint. As the global power consumption and demand increase, people from across the world are searching high and low for feasible solutions. Just like Abu Dhabi, Japan has been betting on nuclear power rising from the sea. Is nuclear power the future?