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Barakah is an enabler of deep decarbonization: FORATOM Director-General

April 12, 2021
Yves Desbazeille, director-general of FORATOM.
Yves Desbazeille, director-general of FORATOM.

ABU DHABI — A top executive of the European Atomic Forum (FORATOM), the Brussels-based trade association for the nuclear energy industry in Europe, has described the recent launch of commercial operations of Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE as an "important achievement" in the development of nuclear energy globally.

Yves Desbazeille, director-general of FORATOM, said in a statement on Monday, "The UAE's decision to diversify its energy mix by introducing nuclear energy proves that there is a bright future for this low-carbon source of energy, as more and more countries, which are willing to decarbonize their energy mix, opt for nuclear."

"The case of the Barakah NPP should be perceived by other countries as a perfect example of how nuclear energy can enable deep decarbonization at an affordable cost, while securing a stable supply of energy," he added.

Barakah backs sustainable

energy future: NEA chief

In Boulogne-Billancourt, France, a top official at OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) said the successful Barakah project in the UAE is a testament that nuclear power plants can be built on schedule and within budget, supporting the path towards a sustainable and environmentally responsible energy future.

William D. Magwood, IV, Director-General of NEA said on Monday, "As has been evidenced during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, access to reliable and cost-effective electricity is a cornerstone of modern societies even during major disruptions to our daily lives.

"Nuclear energy is a key contributor to a modern, resilient and cost-effective low-carbon energy system during COVID-19 and beyond. And it can play a key role in combating climate change if the cost of new nuclear build is economic."

Magwood's comments came after the recent announcement of the start of commercial operations of Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

He added, "We look forward to continue strengthening our engagement with the Emirati entities and to further dialogues with ENEC [Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation] about the role of nuclear energy as a source of clean power for the long-term future.

“We also applaud ENEC’s commitment to capacity building and enhancing gender balance in the nuclear sector."

‘Barakah is key component of UAE

efforts to tackle climate change’

Yousef Al Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US, commented on the recent announcement of the start of commercial operations of Unit 1 of Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, calling it an "exceptional milestone" for the UAE's mission to develop clean and green nuclear energy.

Al Otaiba said, "The start of commercial operations at Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a significant achievement, as the UAE becomes the first country in the Middle East to operate zero carbon nuclear power.

“Climate change is an international challenge and the UAE is committed to vigorously tackling this crisis by diversifying its energy mix and reducing carbon emissions 23.5 percent by 2030. Developing a clean and green nuclear energy sector is a key component of that effort."

"Over twelve years ago, this historic process began when the US and UAE signed a history-making bilateral civil nuclear cooperation agreement. The UAE voluntarily made the strongest possible nonproliferation commitments, forgoing domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear material.

“The landmark US-UAE 123 Agreement remains a model for the development of a peaceful and safe civilian nuclear energy program in the Middle East," he added. — WAM


April 12, 2021
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