With the beginning of a new contract, the UAE is marking a new, distinct chapter in the clean energy sector. With the anticipated trial operation of the Baraka peaceful nuclear energy plant, during the first quarter of this year, the UAE will enter the nuclear club, with a reactor that is distinguished from its kind globally, and in record time. Actionable.

During the year 2019, the UAE rose from the third to the second globally in the list of sound nuclear reactors "under construction" with a capacity of 5.6 GW after China, according to the World Nuclear Association. The country's energy needs are growing rapidly, as it is expected to increase to three times this year, at an annual rate of 9%.

The gold standard

Work on the project started in July 2012, after obtaining the construction license from the Federal Nuclear Supervision Authority. The Emirati model is called the "gold standard" for developing a peaceful nuclear program, as it is devoid of enrichment, as well as reprocessing spent fuel in nuclear reactors, in order to confirm the UAE's commitment to the highest safety and security standards and nuclear non-proliferation standards.

Upon completion of the operation of its four plants, the project will provide 25% of the energy needs of the UAE, by 2050, and will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by equivalent to raising 3.2 million cars from the roads.

The project was contributed by building highly qualified and trained male and female citizens, with a localization rate of 60% within a staff of 3000 employees of 50 nationalities.

Readiness to run

Finally, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation and its subsidiary "Nawaat Energy" announced the results of the operational readiness assessment for the first station in "Baraka", which was conducted by an international team of nuclear energy experts at the "Atlanta" Center of the International Association of Nuclear Energy Operators, which The station is ready to start the operational phase. One of the most important assessments in the nuclear energy sector globally is the evaluation process carried out by the World Association of Nuclear Energy Operators at this stage before operation, in line with international standards for the nuclear sector set by the Association.

Safe energy

According to the permanent representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Hamad Al Kaabi, the mission was clear from the beginning, which is the UAE’s adoption of new technologies to produce safe and environmentally friendly electrical energy that supports growth in the country over the coming decades, and accordingly the state embarked on a process Evaluating a strategy aimed at selecting appropriate technologies for the production of electric energy, a process that included a comprehensive analysis of all proven and reliable technologies in the electricity production sector, and worked on evaluating them based on a set of strategic criteria that included their ability to contribute to a mother Energy diversification and environmental sustainability.

He continued: «This comprehensive process led to the selection of renewable energy technologies and peaceful nuclear energy, as major sources for future energy production, and complement with each other, in addition to the current solutions that we depend on.»

Developer

Within a decade, the UAE managed to achieve quantum leaps in its development from a newcomer to a peaceful nuclear energy sector to a developer of nuclear energy, which has proven its prestigious position, has established a culture of operational transparency, and adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety and quality. This approach reflected the Emirates ability to develop the vision it adopted to develop peaceful nuclear energy more efficiently and effectively, compared to other emerging nuclear programs.

Safety culture

The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant project has recorded 75 million fully safe working hours, which reflects the Foundation's commitment to the highest standards of safety, security and quality in developing the UAE peaceful nuclear program, and the success of its own programs in establishing a safety culture as a daily business approach.

It is expected to start downloading the first nuclear fuel packages at the first station during the first quarter of 2020, as soon as «Nawat Energy Company» meets all requirements, and obtains an operating license from the Federal Nuclear Supervision Authority, the regulatory authority responsible for regulating the nuclear sector in the Emirates.

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