The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the installation of steam generators and reactor vessels (RV) at unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. According to a statement from ENEC, these are the last to be installed at the nuclear power plant.
A small ceremony and plant tour was held to mark the milestone. ENEC’s focus on quality and safety during the construction of the facility, as well as its nuclear operational readiness activities were highlighted during the tour.
The tour was attended by Jassim Mohammed Buatabh Al Zaabi, chairman of the Executive Committee Office and member of the Executive Council. He led a delegation of the General Secretariat of the Executive Council (GSEC), and was hosted by Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the board of directors of ENEC, as well as ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi. Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) chairman Ahn Choong Yong, along with other ENEC, Nawah and Barakah One company executives were also on-site.
Speaking about the progress, Al Mubarak said, “The UAE’s Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme supports the Abu Dhabi Plan by contributing to a diversified energy mix and sustainable, long-term economic growth. The installation of the final reactor vessel and steam generators, as per the 2009 Prime Contract, is a great achievement. I am proud of the unwavering commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the entire team. From our Emirati engineers to our international experts and Korean partners, the focus has remained on quality, safety and efficiency throughout this development process.”
As per ENEC, construction is progressing steadily on site and overall progress on the plant’s four units now stands at 82% complete. When the four reactors are completed and go online, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is expected to supply 25% of the UAE’s power and save up to 21m tons of carbon emissions each year.