(MENAFNEditorial) The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today hosted the Honorable Kristine L. Svinicki, Commissioner of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) at the Barakah site in the Western region of Abu Dhabi, where the UAE's first nuclear energy plants are being constructed.
The visit was organized by ENEC on the occasion of the inaugural New Nuclear International Conference (NNIC) being held in Abu Dhabi this week.
The tour was hosted by ENEC's Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Al Hammadi and included different locations of the projects such as the Rebar Fabrication Workshop, the Site Concrete Plant, the Marine Work, Units 1 & 2 and the engineering office.
The tour was also attended by executives from ​the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the independent government body charged with regulating and licensing nuclear activities in the UAE.
"The UAE indeed has an inspiring story to tell about their nuclear energy project,' said Commissioner Kristine L. Svinicki. "The work that is being carried out at the site is impressive in both quality and safety which truly makes it a model for other nations to follow."
Commissioner Kristine spoke during the second day of the conference highlighting the challenges of meeting rising energy demands while considering many costs such as time, finance and environmental impact. "This is what is leading many countries to consider nuclear energy even though they lack previous experience in the industry. The UAE has overcome these challenges through seeking experience and knowledge from nations with long history of civil nuclear experience, and the NNIC is a clear demonstration of this." Commissioner Kristine added.
ENEC recently announced the achievement of another milestone for Barakah Unit 1, with the completion of the fabrication and installation of the Containment Liner Plate (CLP) in the Reactor Containment Building. Commercial operations for Unit 1 are set to commence in 2017, subject to regulatory approvals.
Barakah Unit 2 is also well under way and will take five years to construct, with the plant scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2018, pending regulatory approval. ENEC will apply for an Operating License for Units 1 and 2 in 2015. With four plants operational by 2020, nuclear energy will deliver up to a quarter of the UAE's electricity needs, while saving up to 12 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.
Hosted by The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the conference is being held under the theme of Bringing the Nuclear World Together. The event is a unique opportunity for nuclear energy experts from around the world to share best practice and to stay up to date on the industry's developments. Delegates will learn how the nuclear energy sector has excelled in ensuring that the technology is safe and secure. The sessions will show that the industry's commitment to safety and quality has raised the bar and is inspiring other industries across the world.
For more information, visit www.enec.gov.ae
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