The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has successfully energised the switchyards for Units 3 and 4, Unit 2 main power transformer (MTR), excitation transformer and unit auxiliary power transformers (UAT) at its Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant
The connection of Units 3 and 4 to the UAE electricity transmission grid is a prerequisite for future testing and allows for the completion of additional auxiliary buildings at both units. Meanwhile, the energised Unit 2?s MTR, Excitation Transformer and UAT allows for the initiation of hot functional testing (HFT). These achievements mark another set of milestones in the safe and steadily progressing construction of ENEC?s Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi.
?These milestones are a result of our extensive collaboration with our prime contractor and JV partner Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO),? said Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC CEO. ?Working together and benefitting from the experience gained when conducting the same work on Unit 1, the teams continue to make significant progress while continuing to implement the highest international standards of safety, security and quality.?
Over the past year, ENEC and KEPCO have achieved a series of other construction milestones on the units of the Barakah Plant. The reactor containment building liner dome section was installed and concrete pouring for the dome was completed on Unit 3, and the reactor containment liner plate rings, reactor vessel, steam generators and condenser were installed on Unit 4. Meanwhile, testing and commissioning activities are progressing on Units 1 and 2, according to ENEC.
Since its inception in 2009, ENEC has focused on the safe delivery of the UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme. Unit 4 is more than 60 per cent complete, Unit 3 is more than 79 per cent complete, Unit 2 is more than 90 per cent complete, and Unit 1 is currently undergoing commissioning and testing, prior to regulatory review and receipt of the operating license from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). All four units will deliver clean, efficient and reliable electricity to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing. When the four reactors are completed, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will save up to 21mn tons of CO2 each year.
