The UAE has become a role model in the field of clean energy after it activated the Barakah nuclear plant, said the head of a global nuclear body.
Agneta Rising, director general of the World Nuclear Association (WNA), praised the Emirates after it successfully switched on one of the reactors at the Barakah plant.
On Saturday, the UAE said it had loaded nuclear fuel packages, run comprehensive tests and started operations at Unit 1 at the facility in Abu Dhabi.
Commercial operations of the reactor are expected to begin later this year, which will help power businesses and homes across the nation with clean energy.
Ms Rising said the successful first stage of producing nuclear energy in the UAE set an example for other countries to build a sustainable future.
“Other countries will look to the UAE and learn from their foresightedness to invest in nuclear [energy] to build their sustainable infrastructure and provide highly skilled jobs for decades to come," she said.
"Nuclear technology must play a much greater role if we are to meet the world’s growing demand for clean energy. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will provide reliable and sustainable low-carbon electricity that will power homes and drive economic growth.
"I congratulate all those involved, their professionalism and dedication in bringing this project to the beginning of its operations, especially during these difficult times of the global coronavirus.
“The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a most welcome contribution to delivering the global nuclear industry’s target of 1,000 GWe of new nuclear build by 2050."
The UAE’s goal is to operate four nuclear power plants that will provide one quarter of the country's energy needs.
Once the unit is connected to the grid, the nuclear operators will carry out continuous tests as they gradually raise the power levels, known as Power Ascension Testing.
After the process is completed, over the course of a number of months, the plant will deliver abundant baseload electricity at full capacity to power the growth of the UAE for decades to come, reported state news agency Wam.
