The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has completed the construction of Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab World?s first nuclear energy plant located in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi
The unit has now been officially handed to Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), ENEC?s operating and maintenance subsidiary, for operational readiness activities.
With the achievement of this strategic milestone, Unit 2 has cleared its construction phase and the focus now shifts to completing the operational readiness preparations, testing, regulatory inspections, and international assessments required for Nawah to obtain the Operating Licence for Unit 2 from the UAE?s independent nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, said, ?The completion of Unit 2 construction activities in adherence to the highest international standards of safety, security and quality, and the handover of all systems to Nawah for commissioning are important milestones that reflect the dedication and skill of everyone involved in the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. These achievements also highlight the benefits of building four identical reactors simultaneously, as the lessons learned during the construction of Unit 1 have contributed to the successful development of Units 2, 3 and 4 of the Barakah Plant.?
?These milestones at Unit 2 are also a further testament to the vision and commitment of the UAE?s leadership in the transition to clean energy sources in the region, and our successful collaboration with KEPCO as our Prime Contractor and Joint Venture partner. The UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is an engine of social, academic and economic growth for the nation, by enhancing our energy security, diversifying our economy, and creating high-value careers opportunities for UAE Nationals. Today we are one step closer to securing a cleaner, brighter future for generations to come,? added Al Hammadi.
In addition to the ITP, ENEC, KEPCO and Nawah are conducting a comprehensive review programme in preparation for operations to ensure that the people who will operate and maintain the plant also meet the highest standards of competence and readiness.
Once the four reactors are online, the facility will deliver clean, efficient and reliable electricity to the UAE grid for decades to come, providing around 25 per cent of the country?s electricity and preventing the release of up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions annually ? the equivalent of removing 3.2 million cars off the roads each year.
