The first unit of the Barakah nuclear power plant in the Al Dhafrah region of Abu Dhabi has been grid-connected and started supplying electricity to the UAE, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced on Wednesday.
The connection also referred to as 'grid synchronization', marks the first time that clean electricity produced at the plant is delivered to the UAE national grid, according to the statement.
The South Korean-supplied unit is expected to enter full commercial operation later this year.
'The safe and successful connection of Unit 1 to the UAE grid marks the key moment when we begin to deliver on our mission to power the growth of the Nation by supplying clean electricity, around the clock,' said H.E. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC.
'Grid connection of Unit 1 really is the beginning of a new era in our project, which is built upon years of preparation and adherence to the highest international safety and quality standards.
We are confident in our people and our technology to continue to progress to reach commercial operations, and the completion of the remaining three units, with the goal to power up to 25% of the UAE's electricity needs for at least the next 60 years,' Al Hammadi added.
The company recently announced the construction completion of Unit 2, with operational readiness preparations now underway by its operations and maintenance subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company.
'Construction of Units 3 and 4 of the Barakah plant are in their final stages, with Unit 3 being at 93% completion, Unit 4 at 86% completion, and the overall construction completion of the four units now standing at 94%,' the statement read.
By Firdevs Yuksel
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr