ABU DHABI, The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has hosted a recognition ceremony at the Barakah plant for top-performing students from the 11th and 12th grades in the Al Dhafra region.
The event forms part of the ENEC’s commitment to providing talented UAE youth with the skills and expertise necessary to become the future leaders of the nation’s growing nuclear energy sector.
The ceremony included an educational tour held as part of the ENEC’s student outreach programme, allowing students to visit the Barakah Plant – the first multi-unit operational nuclear plant in the Arab World. Located in the Al Dhafra region, the top performers had the opportunity to witness first-hand how this UAE megaproject is generating clean electricity 24/7 and tackling climate change today by decarbonising the nation’s power sector on the way to Net Zero 2050.
Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the ENEC, attended the recognition ceremony along with the ENEC and Nawah employees, offering students practical advice and guidance to help them with their future.
During the visit, the students were shown the Simulator Training Centre (STC). They met senior reactor operators (SROs) and reactor operators (ROs) who explained how the Barakah Plant works and generates thousands of megawatts of clean electricity daily. The zero carbon emissions, 24/7, clean electricity generated at Barakah is sustainably powering homes, businesses and high-tech industries across the UAE.
The plant is also the catalyst for driving innovation and R&D in clean hydrogen and SMR development to ensure the realisation of the full scope of the UAE programme.
Al Hammadi welcomed the students and said, “The Emirati-led teams operating and maintaining the Barakah Plant are the result of our long-term investment and commitment to developing the best and brightest science, technology, engineering and mathematics students in the UAE. These talented youth from Al Dhafra have witnessed first-hand the diverse opportunities available at Barakah, with experts working here from 50 different nationalities.
“In addition, the plant requires people with advanced capabilities, skills and expertise to deliver clean electricity and we will continue to provide youth with the education and training needed to play a future role in the UAE’s growing nuclear energy industry.”
The educational tour aligns with the ENEC’s commitment to providing continuous support to the Al Dhafra region and community as part of its CSR programme. The ENEC and Nawah support a wide range of events and activities contributing to economic diversification, sustainable growth and social prosperity in the UAE.
A powerhouse for the nation’s development, energy security and stability, the plant generates high-value jobs and stimulates the growth of local industries. Barakah also provides significant environmental benefits for the nation today and for the next 60 years and beyond through rapid decarbonisation of the energy sector. When fully operational, the plant will prevent 22.4 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually – the leading cause of climate change.
Source: Emirates News Agency