Construction work on Unit 1 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has been completed as per a report from state news agency WAM. The next phase involves completing operational readiness preparations, which is required to secure approval of the operating license by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
The milestone is said to be thanks to the close collaboration between the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), the main contractor and joint venture partner. Unit 1 was built over a period of 69 months and ENEC and KEPCO are said to have completed construction adhering to the highest standards of safety and quality and in accordance with FANR regulations.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and President Moon Jae-in of South Korea visited the plant and declared the completion of construction of Unit 1.
“This is a historic moment in our nation’s development as we celebrate the construction completion of Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme will play a strategic role in the growth of our nation by enhancing our energy security, diversifying our economy, and creating employment opportunities for our people, thereby helping secure the future of generations to come,” said Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed.
The accomplishment is said to provide a positive reference point for other nations considering the adoption of peaceful nuclear energy.
“Nuclear energy will play a strategic role in the future of the Nation. With construction completion achieved, the UAE joins an elite group of countries that have managed to build such a complex and demanding facility to the highest standards of safety and quality. This milestone is a testament to the vision and commitment of the UAE’s leadership and the strength of ENEC’s partnership with our prime contractor and joint venture partner, KEPCO. Now, our focus is on the transition to the safe start-up of Unit 1 nuclear operations,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of ENEC’s board of directors.
Barakah Unit 1 has also successfully completed several system tests including a ‘cold hydrostatic test’ and ‘hot functional test’, which comprise the Initial Testing Programme (ITP). The ITP aims to ensure that the unit’s systems operate in accordance with the highest industry standards and will continue to do so during the plant’s operation.
ENEC also continues to monitor construction work of Barakah Units 2, 3 and 4, which are benefitting from the experience gained during construction of Unit 1. Construction of Units 2, 3 and 4 are 92%, 81% and 66% complete respectively. The construction of the Barakah plant as a whole is now 86 percent complete.