Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, UAE’s first nuclear program, is located in the Al Dhafra of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi on the Arabian Gulf, approximately 53 km west-southwest of the city of Ruwais. The Plant’s four APR1400 design nuclear reactors will supply up to 25% of the UAE’s electricity needs once fully operational.
Rumina Velshi, President & CEO of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) states:
“For best practices in international harmonization, collaboration and regulatory efficiency, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the UAE stands out as a beacon of excellence for the West to follow.
I recently had the honour of taking a guided tour of the state-of-the-art nuclear facility in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi. I was awestruck by the remarkable progress that the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), Nawah Energy Company and the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) have achieved since embarking on their ambitious journey in 2009 to build the Arab world’s first nuclear energy plant as part of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.
The plant was completed with one of the most efficient schedules in the global nuclear industry for Generation III reactors. Just last week it reached yet another milestone with the launch of commercial operations at Unit 3, further bolstering UAE’s clean energy production. This is the third unit to launch into commercial operations in just 3 years, placing Barakah well on track to provide 25 per cent of the country’s energy needs as part of their net zero goals.
During my visit, I was also impressed to find a strong commitment to gender equity put into practice. Many of the nuclear workers at Barakah were women, including our guide, Hind Al Naqbi. Hind was the first Emirati female shift manager and one of 9 female certified reactor operators at Barakah. There is a plethora of evidence that shows that an inclusive work culture that promotes diversity results in greater innovation and a stronger safety culture. I truly believe this commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is a critical factor of Barakah’s success.”
Source: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/barakah-nuclear-energy-plant-best-practices-rumina-velshi
Ismailimail 