The country’s nuclear regulator said that a second unit of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant had begun commercial operations. The second reactor is currently providing electricity for commercial purposes, according to Christer Viktorsson, director general of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), in an online briefing. He also stated that the requirements for the third unit’s operating license are now being reviewed. Mr Viktorsson stated that FANR conducted more than 40 inspections at Barakah in 2021 to ensure that it complied with regulatory standards in the areas of nuclear safety, nuclear security, and non-proliferation.
In September 2021, the second unit was connected to the national power grid. Once all four units are operational, Barakah will provide 25% of the country’s energy demands. The use of clean nuclear energy will lessen the UAE’s reliance on fossil fuels and gas-fired power plants, which presently generate over 90% of the country’s energy.