ABU DHABI- H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra, has visited the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to learn about the project's latest construction milestones.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Khaldoon Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, and was briefed by the management teams on the latest developments at the Barakah Plant, and preparations for the operational readiness of Unit 1, as well as the progress on the construction of another three units.

During the tour, Sheikh Hamdan also met with some of the Emirati engineers currently working on site.

Sheikh Hamdan commented on the importance of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the countrys progress in diversifying and securing energy sources, lauding the impact the plant and the country's wider Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme has in creating strong opportunities for local businesses and talented nationals. He also noted the important role that young Emiratis are playing in supporting the project and for working towards becoming future nuclear experts.

"We are honoured to host H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan at Barakah, reaffirming the support of our leadership for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme," said Khaldoon Al Mubarak.

"The Barakah Plant has already had a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of the UAE, with contracts valued at more than AED13 billion awarded to local companies. In addition, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is educating and training a new generation of Emirati nuclear energy experts, pioneers in the transformation and diversification of the UAE economy," he added.

Teams from ENEC and its Joint Venture partner and Prime Contractor, KEPCO, have recently achieved a series of construction milestones on the units of the Barakah Plant. In 2017, the Reactor Containment Building Liner Dome section was installed, 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. Testing and commissioning activities are progressing steadily on Units 1 and 2.

Construction began in 2012 and the overall completion of the four units is now more than 84 percent complete. Once the four reactors are online, the facility will deliver up to a quarter of the UAEs electricity needs, and save up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.



Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2017.