The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is set to commence testing on the unit 3 at the $32bn Barakah nuclear plant in Abu Dhabi.
Image: Construction underway at the Barakah nuclear plant. Photo: courtesy of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.
The firm has completed the major construction work including major concrete pouring, installation of the turbine generator, and the internal components of the Reactor Vessel (RV) of Unit 3 of the 5,600MW nuclear plant.
As part of the next development phase of the unit 3, ENEC will undertake a number of activities including preparations for commissioning of reactor’s mechanical and electrical systems and significant testing.
ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi said: “I am proud of the continued adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety displayed by our teams here in Barakah, which is setting the benchmark for efficiency in nuclear energy plant construction projects around the world.
“These construction milestones have been achieved as a result of our extensive collaboration with our Prime Contractor and Joint Venture partner, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), as well as sub-contractors such as the Hyundai-Samsung Joint Venture (HSJV).”
ENEC said that the Unit 3 has also been fully connected to the Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company’s (TRANSCO’s) transmission grid.
The work follows successful completion of energization of the reactor’s standby auxiliary transformers and auxiliary power systems.
Construction on Barakah Unit 1 has been completed in accordance with the highest global standards of quality and safety.
The unit, which is currently undergoing commissioning and testing, is due to receive Operating License from Abu Dhabi Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
Additionally, construction of Unit 2 is more than 93% complete, Unit 3 is more than 83% complete, and Unit 4 more than 72% complete, as of the end of May 2018. This brings the overall construction completion of the nuclear facility to more than 89%.
The power plant is expected to generate clean, efficient and reliable electricity required to power up to a quarter of the nation’s electricity needs and save up to 21 million tons of carbon emissions annually.