Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation announced that one of the largest condensers in the Middle East region has been installed at the UAE's first nuclear energy plant.
Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation announced that one of the largest condensers in the Middle East region has been installed at the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant.
The condenser is made up of three sections connected by equalising ducts, with each section measuring 26m in length and weighing 700,000kg. The condenser sections were fabricated in South Korea and shipped to Barakah. The condenser welding was completed in the Unit 1 Reactor Containment Building; a process which took more than seven months to complete.
"The team will now focus on completing the fit out of the condenser, including the installation of the duct sections, water boxes low pressure feedwater heaters and auxiliary systems. The entire process is expected to take over another year before the condenser is complete," said ENEC Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Al Hammadi.
ENEC recently announced the achievement of another milestone for Barakah Unit 1, the completion of the fabrication and installation of the Containment Liner Plate (CLP) in the Reactor Containment Building.
Commercial operations for Unit 1 are scheduled to start in 2017, subject to regulatory approvals. Construction for Barakah Unit 2 is also well under way. The plant will commence commercial operation in 2018, pending regulatory approval. ENEC will apply for an Operating License for Units 1 and 2 in 2015.
Barakah 3 to start construction in 2014
ENEC is also on track to break ground for its third nuclear energy plant later this year, subject to regulatory approvals.
Approval for further pre-construction work for units 3&4 was granted by UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation last week. It will allow construction of formwork, reinforcing bar, embedded anchor bolts, electrical conduit, steel plates and pipework.
ENEC is not authorized to pour initial safety concrete for Units 3 and 4 until it is granted a Construction License from FANR. ENEC submitted its Construction License Application for Barakah Units 3 and 4 to FANR on 1 March, 2013 and the application is currently under review. ENEC also submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment, which requires approval from The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi.
Photo: UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Development Lubna Al Qasimi (centre) visited the Barakah construction site