The Rise of Nuclear Power in the Arab Region

Nuclear power has gained momentum globally as a source of clean electricity and improving energy security.

The nuclear energy currently constitutes approximately 12% of the global electricity production. It will further increase to 20%-25% in the next two decades, positioning nuclear energy as a stable and regulated component within the energy mix, according to the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). The US remains the world's largest producer of nuclear power, with 97 GW of installed capacity generating 787.6 TWh in 2024.

The Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region is now prioritizing decarbonization, energy efficiency and financial sustainability to transform the power sector for the future. The governments are diversifying investments to renewable energy and nuclear power to meet the increasing electricity demand and to achieve net zero while doing so.

By 2030, the primary nuclear capacity in Mena is expected to come from the UAE's existing 5.6 GWe Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and the first operational units of Egypt's El Dabaa Plant. The Barakah NPP is the UAE’s largest source of electricity, meeting nearly 25% of demand.

The UAE government is keen to start the tendering process for the state's next nuclear power plant phase. The country is also exploring global nuclear energy opportunities through joint initiatives.

The El Dabaa plant is being constructed in partnership with Russia's Rosatom. The total capacity of the plant is expected to be 4.8 GWe upon completion. The first unit is scheduled to be connected to the grid in the late 2020s, with others following shortly thereafter. The plant will also include desalination capacity allowing it to use seawater to meet to its cooling and operational needs.

Saudi Arabia has ambitious plans to develop a substantial nuclear power capacity, potentially including up to 16 reactors by 2032. More countries in the region are actively pursuing nuclear power programs to reduce their reliance on oil and gas and diversify their energy sources.

Though nuclear plants provide a reliable, carbon-free, high energy density baseload solution, they have long development cycles and involve high capital costs. Small modular reactors (SMRs) are emerging as a game-changing solution that could offer cost-effective and scalable alternatives to traditional large reactors.

SMRs offer compact designs, flexible deployment, and advanced safety features that make them well-suited for remote regions, smaller grids, and industrial applications. With capacities typically under 300 MW, SMRs can be factory-fabricated, transported, and assembled on-site, significantly reducing construction time and costs. The global SMR pipeline is expanding rapidly, with over 100 reactors at various stages of development and more than 10,000 MW anticipated by 2035.

The advancements in reactor technology and supportive policies are contributing to increased generation plans and will help in long-term growth of nuclear power in the region.

Editor