Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation Grants Operating License for Final Reactor of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has granted the operating license for the fourth and final reactor of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), which is responsible for the operation of the plant, has been issued the operating license for Unit 4, which has a duration of 60 years.

Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE’s Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and deputy chairman of the Board of Management of the FANR, described this as a historic moment for the UAE, marking the realization of a vision started 15 years ago to develop the region’s first peaceful nuclear energy program.

FANR previously issued operating licenses for Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3 in February 2020, March 2021, and June 2022 respectively, and will maintain regulatory oversight for the entire operational period of the four units. The third unit officially began commercial operations in February of this year.

The UAE Nuclear Programme is expected to play a significant role in providing 25 per cent of clean energy, supporting the UAE Government’s efforts to achieve its 2050 Net Zero Goals.

Following the issuance of the operating license for Unit 4, Nawah will begin a period of commissioning to prepare for commercial operation. Meanwhile, the FANR will conduct round-the-clock inspections to ensure regulatory requirements are met.

The review of the operating license application for Unit 4 was conducted by a team consisting of 90 per cent Emirati nuclear experts, showing the success of FANR’s strategy in building the capability and skills of Emiratis to regulate the nuclear sector and ensure its safe operation.

Over the past decade, the UAE has received 12 major peer review missions from the IAEA to review and assess various aspects of nuclear infrastructure, safety, security, emergency preparedness, and non-proliferation to ensure the implementation of the highest international standards. The reports from these missions are publicly available.