The UAE has completed the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, a significant step towards achieving net zero emissions. With this plant, the UAE aims to cover half of its electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050. Located in Al Dhafra, the plant will provide 25% of the country's electricity and power major industries.
The UAE's Pursuit of Nuclear Energy and Net Zero Emissions
Background
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has long been a leader in the Middle East and North Africa region in terms of economic development and technological innovation. In recent years, the country has placed a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing its carbon footprint. As part of this effort, the UAE has invested heavily in nuclear energy.
In 2015, the UAE launched the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project. The plant is located in Al Dhafra, in the western region of the country. Once fully operational, the plant will provide approximately 25% of the UAE's electricity needs and reduce the country's reliance on fossil fuels.
Significance of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
The completion of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is a significant milestone for the UAE on its path to net zero emissions. The plant is a key component of the country's ambitious climate change strategy, which aims to cover half of the country's electricity needs with renewable energy by 2050.
The Barakah plant is also the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world. It is expected to serve as a model for other countries in the region that are looking to develop their own nuclear energy programs.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is nuclear energy and how does it work?
Nuclear energy is a source of energy that is released when the nucleus of an atom is split. This process is called nuclear fission. The energy released by nuclear fission can be used to generate electricity.
2. Is nuclear energy safe?
Nuclear energy is a highly regulated industry and there are strict safety measures in place to prevent accidents. However, there is always some risk associated with nuclear power, as there is with any form of energy production.
3. What are the benefits of nuclear energy?
Nuclear energy is a clean and efficient source of energy. It does not produce greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Nuclear power plants also have a small land footprint compared to other forms of energy generation.
4. What are the risks of nuclear energy?
The main risks associated with nuclear energy are accidents and the disposal of radioactive waste. However, these risks are constantly being managed and mitigated by nuclear power plant operators.
5. What is the future of nuclear energy in the UAE?
The UAE is committed to developing its nuclear energy program and plans to build additional nuclear power plants in the future. The country sees nuclear energy as a key part of its strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
In an effort to reduce reliance on China for key minerals used in advanced technologies, India is exploring partnership with a rebel group in Myanmar to secure rare earth samples. The Ministry of Mines has directed state-owned and private companies to collect samples from Kachin Independence Army-controlled mines and test them in domestic labs. This move comes in light of China's recent export restrictions on rare earth magnets, causing disruptions in global supply chains.
Oracle chairman Larry Ellison, who hails from the Bronx, has surpassed Tesla CEO Elon Musk as the richest person in the world with a net worth of $405 billion. This jump in wealth was reported by Barron's on Wednesday, putting Ellison ahead of Musk's net worth of $390 billion. This milestone marks a shift in the top spot amongst the world's wealthiest individuals.
The US Producer Price Index fell 0.1% in August, bucking expectations of a rise and indicating a potential slowdown in overall economic growth. The decline was driven by a slump in the cost of services, particularly within wholesalers and retailers. The news has led to a drop in Treasury yields and solidifies expectations of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve next week.
The Hilton Kathmandu, once a symbol of Nepal's ambition and modern design, recently fell victim to violent anti-government protests. The hotel, built by the Shanker Group with a significant investment and featuring luxurious amenities and seismic safeguards, opened in 2024 but tragically, went up in flames a year later. The Hilton was not just a hotel, but a cultural statement, embodying Nepalese heritage and offering breathtaking views of the Langtang range.
In a shocking incident, a brand-new Mahindra Thar crashed through a glass wall and landed on the road below in Delhi's Preet Vihar. The SUV had just been purchased by a couple who were inside the vehicle at the time with a showroom salesman. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured in the accident. The incident, captured on video, has gone viral on social media. Police are investigating the cause of the incident.
Delhi-based manufacturer Vikas Ecotech has acquired an existing Plasticizer Manufacturing Business, valued at Rs 270 million, in an all-cash deal. With this acquisition, the company aims to enhance its product offering and become debt-free by 2023-24. This move comes after the firm recently paid off Rs 101 crore of its debt to lenders.
The Indian Express has obtained information that the Registrar General of India has requested a budget of Rs 14,618.95 crore for the upcoming Census 2027. This will be the first "digital census" and will include the collection of caste data through dedicated mobile applications. The option for self-enumeration will also be provided to the public. Additionally, Indian refiners have saved approximately $12.6 billion in the past three years through their Russian oil imports, which has caused tensions with the Trump administration.
The Trump administration's latest move has caused major disruptions in the Indian export industry with the imposition of 50% tariffs on Indian goods. Sectors such as apparel, textiles, gems, and jewelry will bear the brunt of the higher tariffs, putting low-skilled jobs in India at risk. India's response has been to extend tariff exemptions on cotton imports, but many are criticizing the government for not taking strong action against the US. Political figures like Saurabh Bhardwaj and Akhilesh Yadav have slammed the BJP-led government for its failed foreign and economic policies which are negatively impacting traders, manufacturers, and workers.
The highly anticipated 2025 model of the popular Suzuki Access 125 has finally been unveiled at the Auto Expo. While it comes in three variants and boasts 5 different colour options, there are complaints about the fluctuating mileage and poor design choices such as fixed mirrors. With tough competition in the two-wheeler market, Suzuki may need to offer attractive deals to customers to stay ahead.
At the Plumbex India exhibition, Minister Hardeep S Puri launched the BHARAT TAP initiative, which aims to improve products and services related to plumbing, water, and sanitation. In his speech, Puri emphasized the importance of sanitation in India's development and praised the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission and AMRUT in achieving 100% toilet coverage in rural areas and significant progress in urban areas. He also announced the launch of AMRUT 2.0, with an outlay of Rs. 2,77,000 crores, to further strengthen water and sanitation services in cities.