Operation of Barakah's Unit 4 fruit of years of efforts: FANR

ABU DHABI (WAM)

Since issuing the Operating Licence in November 2023 for Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has continued its regulatory oversight: starting with fuel loading, testing, the criticality phase, connecting the unit to the UAE national electricity transmission grid until the plant is ready for full commercial operation.

FANR confirmed that Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), the operator, has met all regulatory requirements to initiate this important phase. The milestone follows extensive oversight, including regular inspection and oversight, to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear power plant.

Following the issuance of the operating licence until the commercial operation of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, FANR’s oversight activities included regular inspection using its resident inspectors as well as deploying inspectors to oversee the testing processes. FANR is continuously verifying the emergency preparedness and response system as well as monitoring the environment through independent monitoring stations around the nuclear power plant.

“The commercial operation of Unit 4 of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is another major achievement which is the result of significant efforts made over the past years since the establishment of the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme. During that period, FANR reviewed the nuclear power plant in terms of site selection, construction, testing and finally operation to ensure the operator complies with all regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. FANR will continue to inspect the oversight activities for the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant during the operation phase to ensure all requirements are met,” said Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

“FANR is proud to have Emirati nuclear experts who played a crucial role in the licensing process and oversight of the nuclear power plant since its inception: carrying out inspection in matters related to nuclear safety, nuclear security and nuclear non-proliferation. We are proud that over 77 percent of FANR’s workforce are Emiratis. I congratulate the UAE government and its leadership for such an achievement,” added Viktorsson

Following the commercial operation of Unit 4, FANR will continue conducting its regulatory oversight and inspection to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear power plant as part of its mission to protect the public, workers and environment.