Abu Dhabi. Feb. 24 /BNA/: Since the issuance of the operating license in June 2022 for the third unit of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has continued its regulatory oversight, starting from fuel loading, testing and the criticality stage. Connecting the unit to the national electricity transmission network of the United Arab Emirates until the station is ready for full commercial operation.
The authority confirmed that the Nawah Energy Company had met all regulatory requirements to start the important phase.
This achievement comes after extensive oversight, including regular inspection and oversight, to ensure the safety and security of the nuclear power plant.
After the issuance of the operating license until the commencement of commercial operation of the Barakah nuclear power plant, FANR’s control activities included regular inspection using resident inspectors as well as the deployment of inspectors to supervise testing operations.
FANR continuously checks the emergency preparedness and response system as well as monitors the environment through independent monitoring stations around the nuclear power plant.
“The commercial operation of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant is another major achievement that came as a result of the great efforts that have been made over the past years since the establishment of the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme,” said Krister Victorson, Director General of FANR.
“During that period, FANR reviewed the nuclear power plant in terms of site selection, construction, testing and final commissioning to ensure that the operator complied with all regulatory requirements to ensure the safety of the public and the environment. FANR will continue to examine the control activities of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant during the operation phase to ensure that all requirements are met.”
UAE nuclear experts have played a crucial role in the process of licensing and supervising the nuclear power plant since its inception by conducting inspections in matters related to nuclear safety, nuclear security and non-proliferation.
“More than 74% of the authority’s workforce are Emiratis, and I congratulate the UAE government and its leadership on this achievement,” Victorson said.
Following the commercial commissioning of Unit 3, FANR will continue regulatory oversight and inspections to ensure the safety and security of the Nuclear Power Plant as part of its mission to protect the public, workers and the environment.