UAE moves closer to nuclear energy

The initial construction activities for Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has been completed, says Enec official.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) announced that it has completed initial construction activities for Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant together with Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco).
The completion of initial construction work of Unit 1 was preceded by the successful completion of the Hot Functional Test (HFT) at the end of 2016.  The HFT is one of the major testing requirements under the Construction Licence for Units 1 and 2, which was granted by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in 2012.
The Enec signed the prime contract with Kepco in 2009 for the construction of the Barakah Plant. The handover of Unit 1's 277 systems from Kepco to Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power (KHNP) for commissioning marks the end of initial construction activities of Unit 1 and the start of the preparatory phase for nuclear operations.
"The completion of Unit 1 construction activities and the handover of all systems for commissioning are important milestones in a project that is critical to the future energy mix of the UAE, and they reflect the professionalism and dedication of everyone involved in the project," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of Enec.
Following the satisfactory completion of commissioning activities by KHNP, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), a joint venture between Enec and Kepco established to operate Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Units 1-4, will assume operational responsibilities for Unit 1.
However, as per UAE regulatory law, the construction, start-up and operations of nuclear energy plants are subject to regulations issued by the FANR, and the loading of fuel and actual operation of Unit 1 will require the approval of FANR and the issuance of an operating licence. The FANR is conducting a rigorous and stringent review of the operating licence application, which was submitted by the Enec in March 2015, and carrying out numerous inspections of construction and  operational readiness to support this review. 
In addition to the extensive review by the FANR, senior nuclear experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) will also conduct a series of voluntary, but independent assessments of the robustness of the operating infrastructure and the proficiency of the operations personnel that will ultimately bring Unit 1 into full commercial operation.
"As part of the commitments made to the international nuclear community in its 2009 white paper, the UAE pledged that its nuclear operations would be guided by IAEA and WANO standards and best practices, and we look forward to continuing our work with these entities and to benefitting from their insights and experience as we realise this commitment," said Al Hammadi.
Only after the successful conclusion of these legally-mandated and voluntary reviews, and upon FANR approval of the Operating License for Unit 1, will Nawah proceed with Unit 1 fuel load and plant start-up.
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• UAE