The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation’s, FANR, Board of Management and Director-General, Christer Viktorsson, recently visited Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant and related facilities located in the nearby town of Ruwais.

The visit was hosted by Nawah Energy Company’s Acting CEO, Mohammed Sahoo AlSuwaidi and senior management from Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, and Nawah.

The visiting delegation included FANR’s Chairman, Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, Deputy Chairman, Ambassador Hamad Ali Al Kaabi, and Board Members Dr. AbdulQader Ebrahim Al Khayat, Dr. Ali Mohamed Shaheen Ahmed, Ali Khalfan Al Dhaheri, and Sultan Abdullah Sultan Al Hebsi.

The aim of the visit was to update the delegation on the progress and readiness of the Emergency Preparedness Programme, EPP, and to confirm there is a robust procedure in place in the unlikely event of an emergency at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Western Region, once it is operational.

The FANR delegation began their tour with a visit to the Emergency Response Centre. They were briefed on the preparedness of the center and its facilities. A tour was conducted of the facilities at the centre, which included a visit to the Emergency Operation Facility, Emergency Operation Centre and the Environmental Laboratory. A demonstration was given on the EPP and the current arrangements which are in place, including the Emergency Response Team, data links, communication systems, equipment and the outcomes of the drills and exercises.

The delegates travelled to the Barakah nuclear energy plant, where they received a project update on construction progress and operational readiness. They were guided through Unit 1 to the Turbine Building, Main Control Room, and Fuel Handling Area. "The changes and the progression of the project is remarkable, FANR is committed in ensuring that Nawah and ENEC are in compliance with the highest international standards and best practices of nuclear safety. Our Board of Management visit to the site allowed them to directly witness the progress of the project and interact with operators and employees in other roles, we look forward conducting similar visits in the near future," said Mr. Viktorsson.

AlSuwaidi, said, "It was a great source of pleasure and pride to host FANR’s leadership team and have the opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to safely, reliably, and efficiently generating nuclear energy to power the growth of the UAE. Safety is our number one priority and I believe that our Emergency Operations Center and Environmental Lab are world-class facilities. Our processes and systems follow the highest standards to ensure the safety of the public, our employees, and the environment, all while providing the UAE with the clean, low-emission energy it needs to support its future growth."

He added that the commissioning and handover activities at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant were progressing steadily.

Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 at the plant is now over 74 percent complete. The project is scheduled for substantial completion in 2020.

Nawah Energy Company will safely operate and maintain Units 1 to 4 at Barakah in adherence to the highest standards of safety, security, quality, and to the UAE’s commitment of operational transparency. The units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing.