Issuing a license to operate the fourth unit of the Barakah station

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the regulatory body responsible for regulating the nuclear sector in the UAE, announced yesterday the issuance of a license to operate the fourth unit of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to the benefit of Nawah Energy Company, which in turn is responsible for operating the plant located in the Al Dhafra region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, making the UAE the first An Arab country operates a peaceful nuclear energy plant.

Under the license, Nawah Energy Company is authorized to operate Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant for the next 60 years.

The Authority conducted a systematic review process for the application to issue an operating license, which included a comprehensive evaluation of the documents attached to the application, the application of strict supervisory measures, in addition to conducting careful inspections of the station with regard to nuclear security and safety, and nuclear non-proliferation.

The evaluation process included a review of the nuclear plant’s design, and a geographic and demographic analysis of its location. The evaluation process also included a review of the nuclear reactor design, cooling and safety systems, security measures, emergency preparedness procedures, radioactive waste management, and other technical aspects. The Authority also reviewed the readiness of Nawah Company, as the company responsible for operation in terms of institutional and manpower, and ensured the availability of all necessary procedures and measures to ensure safety and security standards in the nuclear power plant.

The Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, said: “Today (yesterday) represents a historic moment for the United Arab Emirates, as it achieved its vision that began 15 years ago, in developing the first energy program. Peaceful nuclear weapons in the region.

Al Kaabi added in a press conference, “The success of the program and the UAE’s ability to complete it within a record period of time, while adhering to the best international standards for nuclear safety and security, and the non-proliferation of nuclear proliferation, has made the country a role model for many countries that intend to build nuclear energy programs.”

He pointed out that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program will play a major role in providing 25% of clean energy. Hence, supporting the efforts of the UAE government to achieve its goals regarding climate neutrality for the year 2050.

He stated that after issuing the operating license for the fourth unit, Nawah Energy Company will begin the period of preparations for commercial operation, which begins with loading fuel, which is expected to occur before the end of this year, then trial operation during the first quarter of next year, and then commercial operation.

Al-Kaabi stated: “During this stage, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation will conduct inspections around the clock, relying on its inspectors residing at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, and sending other inspectors to ensure the completion of fuel loading and tests in accordance with regulatory requirements.”

In turn, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Christer Victorsen, said: “A qualified team reviewed the application for issuing an operating license, as the percentage of Emirati experts constituted more than 90% of the team members, and this indicates the success of the Authority’s strategy in building the capabilities and skills of Emiratis to monitor the sector.” Nuclear energy and ensuring its sustainability.

He stated that the Authority evaluated the readiness of Nawah Company, as the company responsible for operation, from an institutional and workforce perspective, with all necessary procedures and measures to ensure safety and security standards in the nuclear power plant, pointing out that over the previous years, the Authority had approved more than 215 operators. Reactors, including 78 Emiratis qualified to operate the control rooms of the nuclear power plant.

To ensure adherence to the highest international safety standards in the field of nuclear energy and nuclear non-proliferation, over the past decade, the UAE received 12 comprehensive assessment missions from the International Atomic Energy Agency to review and evaluate various aspects of the nuclear infrastructure, the legal and regulatory framework, standards of nuclear safety and security, nuclear non-proliferation, and the level of State preparedness for emergencies. The public can view these reports issued by these international missions.

It is noteworthy that in February 2020, March 2021 and June 2022, the Authority issued operating licenses for the first, second and third units of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, respectively, and it will continue its supervisory duties for all four units after commercial operation.

Promising economic sectors

The Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency and Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, said that the Barakah project has created promising industrial and nuclear economic sectors around it, in addition to the educational sector in the field of nuclear energy, which is witnessing great prosperity.

He stated that local companies succeeded in meeting the project’s requirements for iron, cables, and others.

Al-Kaabi stressed that there are no decisions to expand the Barakah project or start new projects at the present time, and that the UAE is committed to its pledges not to enrich uranium locally.

The UAE is the first Arab country to operate a peaceful nuclear energy plant.