• 53 SROs and ROs now qualified to work at the Barakah plant; of which 22 are UAE Nationals
  • Certification is part of Operational Readiness; a key requirement of the Operating License Application

Abu Dhabi, UAE: The second group of 38 multinational Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs) of the Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), the operational subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), have been officially certified by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator.

The graduation and licensing of the operators was celebrated during a special ceremony held in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by senior executives including His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR and Mark Reddemann, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, who addressed and congratulated the young nuclear professionals.

The licensing of this second group of Nawah SROs and ROs is a significant achievement in the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program and is a reflection of the ongoing success of ENEC and Nawah’s human capacity development programs. The total number of qualified operators has now reached 53, well above the 32 required to operate Unit 1 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

“Since our establishment in 2009, ENEC has been committed to building Emirati nuclear energy expertise, recognizing its pivotal importance in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program,” said H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC. “The certification by FANR of Nawah’s second group of talented reactor operators and senior reactor operators marks a major milestone in our steady progress towards the commencement of safety and quality-led operations at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.”

“In July 2019 we celebrated the first FANR certified group of 15 UAE National SROs and ROs. This second certified group includes another 7 UAE Nationals working with their multinational colleagues whom will be responsible for operating the Barakah plant, according to the highest international best practices and global operating experience. We are very proud to have over 50 nationalities working as one team to develop and operate the Barakah plant, the first of its kind in the Arab World,” added Al Hammadi.

“Reactor operators play a crucial role in ensuring that all aspects of plant operations are conducted according to the highest standards of safety, quality and security. Reactor operators adjust control rods, manipulate equipment, implement operation procedures, conduct surveillance tests and optimize energy generation for the UAE’s grid. We are proud to recognize the achievements of these talented men and women and look forward to their future success at Nawah,” said Mark Reddemann CEO of Nawah.

ENEC is building four identical nuclear energy units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. As of the end of July 2019, the overall construction of the four units is more than 93%.  Unit 4 is more than 82% complete, Unit 3 is more than 91% and Unit 2 is more than 95%. Unit 1 construction is complete and the unit is currently undergoing commissioning and testing, prior to regulatory review and receipt of the Operating License from FANR, which is currently in the final stages of reviewing the operating license application for Units 1 and 2.

Once operational, the units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will be operated in accordance with the highest standards of safety, quality and security by a diverse team of experienced international experts, specialists from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and nuclear professionals from Nawah.

Photo caption: His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR and Mark Reddemann, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, with the second group of 38 multinational Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs).

- ENDS-

About the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is working to deliver clean, efficient and reliable electricity to the United Arab Emirates - energy that is needed to support the UAE’s social and economic growth.

Established by decree in December 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, ENEC represents all aspects of the UAE peaceful nuclear energy program.

Driven by a Culture of Safety, ENEC’s overriding priority is ensuring the safety of the UAE community, employees and the environment.

About Nawah Energy Company

A subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and partially owned by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Nawah has been mandated to safely operate and maintain Units 1 to 4 in Barakah in adherence to the highest standards of safety, security and quality, and to the UAE’s commitment of operational transparency.

About Barakah One Company

A subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and partially owned by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), Barakah One is the company in charge of representing the financial and commercial interests of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project.

For more information, visit:
www.enec.gov.abudhabi 

Media Contact:
enec@fourcommunications.com
media@enec.gov.abudhabi

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.