UAE restores power to drone-hit Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that the UAE has restored off-site power to Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant a day after the drone strike which caused a fire at an electrical generator near the nuclear plant.

• IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi welcomed the restoration of external electricity supply as an important step for nuclear safety, which means the reactor no longer needs emergency diesel generators for power.

• He underscored the need to safeguard nuclear security in wartime.

• The development occurred in the context of the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, which erupted in late February following US and Israeli strikes against Iran, and Tehran carrying out counterstrikes on several countries in the Gulf and wider region. 

Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant

• The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is located in the Al Dhafra region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. 

• The Barakah Plant is the first nuclear energy plant in the Arab World.

• The plant consists of four APR1400 nuclear reactors, which are fully operational and preventing the release of up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

• Unit 1 of the Barakah Plant started commercial operations in April 2021, Unit 2 in March 2022, Unit 3 in February 2023, and Unit 4 began commercial operations in September 2024.

• The plant produces around 40 terawatt-hours of electricity annually, enough to meet nearly 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity needs.