H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region, emphasised that the UAE is continuing to enhance its unique model to diversify energy sources and move towards environmentally friendly energy sources, to fulfil its international obligations regarding climate change phenomena, and achieve the objectives of its ambitious strategic initiative for climate neutrality by 2050, thanks to the vision of the wise leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
In his statement on the occasion of the new achievement accomplished by Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra Region regarding the beginning of the process of loading fuel assemblies into the reactor after receiving the Operating Licence from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) for Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, Sheikh Hamdan said that successive achievements at Barakah Plant contribute significantly to the success of the UAE’s strategy to build a diversified and knowledge-based economy, in addition to affirming its forward-looking vision for the future and keenness to ensure a safe and prosperous future for current and future generations.
Sheikh Hamdan added, "With this achievement, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is close to achieving its multiple economic, social and environmental objectives. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has become one of the premier pillars of sustainable development in the country, due to the abundant and environmentally-friendly power energy, in addition to its key role in the success of the transformation of the energy sector in the country towards total dependence on energy sources that are free of carbon emissions, by accelerating the reduction of the carbon footprint of this sector."
He also indicated, "One of the most important exceptional achievements of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is a translation of the directives of the wise leadership through the development of a scientific human cadre specialised in the technically advanced nuclear energy sector. As Emirati competencies in this sector have become one of the most important assets that our country possesses since it is the most significant guarantee for the sustainability and excellence of the programme."
Sheikh Hamdan hailed the exceptional achievements made at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, and the pivotal role of Emirati cadres. It enables the country to continue to enhance its advanced stature on the global map, consolidate its reputation as a global capital of energy addition to supporting the country’s efforts to fulfil its commitments contained in the Paris Climate Agreement, confront the phenomenon of climate change and to reach climate neutrality in the UAE by 2050, especially as it was the first country in the region to launch initiatives to achieve this goal.