Abu Dhabi: The UAE is the first Arab country with a functional power plant. By the end of this month, its Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is set to begin commercial operations.
When the plant is complete, the electricity it produces without generating any carbon will be able to power more than half a million UAE households for a whole year. These 5,600 megawatts of clean electricity will prevent the release of 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year, which amounts to the carbon absorbed by 350 million trees over ten years.
Already, the plant’s first Unit has been connected to the UAE national grid. This is a big deal: The UAE an energy producer that has historically relied on carbon-producing fossil fuels for its energy needs is setting the lead for a clean energy future, even in a world facing economic setbacks as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.