The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the successful completion of cold hydrostatic testing at Unit 1 in Barakah, a crucial step in preparing the plant for commercial operations.

The testing verified that welds, joints, pipes and components of the reactor coolant system and associated high-pressure systems meet quality standards, as per the regulations of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

Unit 1 is now more than 84 percent complete and Unit 2 is 64 percent complete. Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now more than 58 percent complete.

All four units will deliver nuclear energy to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing.

During the testing, previously processed water filled the primary circuit and was circulated by the reactor coolant pumps. These pumps will help to maintain a safe temperature inside the reactor during operations, a statement said.

"I would like to congratulate ENEC on its achievements in the safety-led development of the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy program and its contributions to the Western Region," said Mater Al Neyadi, Under Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy. "ENEC's achievements continue to support the UAE's energy mix strategy as well as the future social and economic growth of the UAE."

Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, added: "With the completion of testing at Unit 1 and the energisation of the switchyard, we are moving closer to achieving our goal of supplying up to a quarter of our nation's electricity needs with low-carbon, sustainable nuclear energy."

Upon completion, the four units will boast a combined capacity of approximately 5,600MW and will be capable of generating approximately 25 percent of the UAE's electricity needs while saving up to 12 million tons of carbon emissions every year.