The UAE is on the brink of a nuclear energy revolution, but here’s where it gets controversial: while the country’s nuclear regulator insists it’s ‘ready’ for capacity expansion, no formal proposals have been submitted yet. Is the UAE truly prepared for what’s next in nuclear power?
On Wednesday, the UAE’s nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), declared its readiness to embrace new technologies and support future capacity additions to meet the soaring electricity demands, particularly from data centers and artificial intelligence. But here’s the catch: despite media buzz about discussions with Russia’s Rosatom, there’s no concrete plan on the table—yet.
Christer Viktorsson, FANR’s director general, told reporters in Abu Dhabi, ‘We’re aware of talks, like those with Rosatom, but no one has formally approached us to build a new facility.’ This statement comes on the heels of Rosatom’s chief announcing last month that they’ve proposed building small nuclear power plants—both land-based and floating—for the UAE. But is this the right move for a country already powering a quarter of its electricity needs through the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant?
And this is the part most people miss: FANR isn’t playing favorites. ‘Our strategy is to stay open to all technologies,’ Viktorsson explained. ‘We’re not backing one over another.’ The regulator’s current focus is on the 5.6-gigawatt Barakah plant, a South Korean-built marvel with four 1,400-megawatt reactors that cost $20 billion. Its final unit joined the grid in 2024, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the UAE’s energy mix.
But what if someone does come knocking with a bold new proposal? ‘We’re ready to support them, ensuring safety every step of the way,’ Viktorsson assured. Russia’s proposals even hinted at UAE investment in nuclear plants in Central Asia, following President Sheikh Mohamed’s visit to Moscow. Is this a strategic move or a risky venture?
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company, Barakah’s operator, clarified that they’re no stranger to proposals—from large-scale reactors to small modular reactors (SMRs). ‘If expansion gets the green light, we’ll launch a transparent tender process,’ they stated. But with 80 to 90 SMR designs on the market, how will the UAE choose?
Nuclear-powered data centers are another hot topic. Viktorsson revealed FANR is gearing up to regulate SMRs, which could be game-changers for energy-hungry data centers. ‘We’re training our staff on SMRs and other emerging technologies,’ he said. ‘We need to be ready, even if no expansion is on the horizon.’*
But here’s the bigger question: Can the UAE balance innovation with safety? FANR’s expanded mandate under its 2027–2029 strategy includes overseeing the entire nuclear and radiation sector, with a vision to become a globally recognized regulator. ‘Safety, security, and sustainability are our priorities,’ Viktorsson emphasized.
Meanwhile, FANR is leveraging AI and digital tools to strengthen oversight—though Viktorsson cautions, ‘We must understand AI’s limits before integrating it.’* And let’s not forget the elephant in the room: regional nuclear risks, especially from Iran’s nearby facilities. ‘We’re monitoring radiation levels and stand ready to respond to any incident,’ he assured.
So, what’s next for the UAE’s nuclear ambitions? With no formal proposals yet, the country is in a wait-and-see mode. But one thing’s clear: FANR is preparing for a future where nuclear energy could play an even bigger role. Is this the right path, or should the UAE tread carefully? We want to hear your thoughts—share your opinions in the comments below!
