IAEA chief visits Barakah, warns against attacks on nuclear sites

Rafael Mariano Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), visited the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region this week. During the inspection, Grossi issued a stern warning regarding global security, characterizing any potential attacks on nuclear facilities as an "extremely dangerous escalation" that threatens international safety. Operational Scale and Security The Barakah plant, a $24.4 billion infrastructure project, is the Arab world's first multi-unit operational nuclear power station. With all four units now in commercial operation, the facility generates 5,600 megawatts (MW) of carbon-free electricity. This output accounts for approximately 25% of the UAE's total power demand, providing a consistent baseline for the national grid. Grossi toured the facility alongside Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The visit focused on the technical safety protocols and the physical integrity of the site. The IAEA head emphasized that nuclear infrastructure must remain neutral and protected from military conflict to prevent radiological disasters and environmental…