The CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Eng. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, stated that the Corona epidemic did not affect the plans of the project “Baraka” stations for peaceful nuclear energy. Stations 2, 3 and 4 have already started following the completion of all major construction works.
Virtual session
In detail, the CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Eng. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, participated in a virtual discussion session organized by the Atlantic Council, during which he touched on the level of progress in the Barakah nuclear power plants project, the effects of the spread of the Corona virus emerging on the global energy sector, and the importance of energy systems Carbonless for the sector's future.
This was mentioned during the recent discussion session entitled "The New Corona Virus and the Future of the Carbon-Free Global Energy System", where Al-Hammadi highlighted during the meeting hosted by the President and CEO of the Global Energy Center of the Atlantic Council, Frederick Kempi, the role of the nuclear program Emirati Peaceful in promoting the growth process in the UAE on various sectors, especially social and economic, in addition to its role in consolidating the country's position on the international level, by limiting the carbon emissions resulting from the electric power sector.
Barakah stations
Al-Hammadi said: “Barakah’s peaceful nuclear energy plants, the first peaceful nuclear energy plant in the Arab world, will play a pivotal role in changing the way the country relies on energy sources that contribute to supporting future growth, by producing 5.6 GW of safe, reliable and environmentally friendly electricity that limits From 21 million tons of carbon emissions annually. The Baraka stations also provide rewarding career opportunities within the advanced disciplines, and establish a sustainable Emirati nuclear sector, in addition to supporting the development of a local supply chain that supports this trend.
He added: «Baraka power stations for peaceful nuclear energy, in addition to the global nuclear energy sector, directly contribute to reducing carbon emissions resulting from electric energy, in the UAE alone, emissions will decrease after the operation of Baraka stations, equivalent to removing 3.2 million cars from the roads annually in the country, and this "It is very important in the context of our efforts to address climate change and the challenges associated with air pollution worldwide."
Precautionary measures
During the session, Al-Hammadi discussed the spread of the emerging corona virus (Covid 19) and its effects. He said: “As part of our response to global efforts to reduce the spread of the epidemic, and in implementation of the directives of the rational leadership in the UAE, we organized a number of meetings with our partners to implement a group of Precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of our employees, as well as to get acquainted with business continuity plans and our ability to continue working according to the timetable set for the operation of the first plant, stressing that “safety is the highest priority for the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is the basis for any action taken.”
He added: “The situation caused by the spread of the Corona virus posed a great challenge for all of us, and despite that, we are proud of the prompt and comprehensive response of our work team, as we have not witnessed any infection of the Corona virus between our employees in Barakah, and I can confirm that the work continues to progress. Safely and steadily in the four stations.
He highlighted the successful implementation of the Business Continuity Program, which led to ensuring safe and continuous progress in the Barakah peaceful nuclear power plant project. Al-Hammadi continued, “After receiving the operating license from the Federal Nuclear Control Authority and completing the operations of loading nuclear fuel packages at the first station, we can say that we are in an advanced stage of starting operations in the first station, where the station is going to produce the first megawatts of environmentally friendly electricity soon. , And in the context of the process of progressive operation leading to commercial operation within several months.
He added: "The Corona epidemic did not affect our plans. There are more than 700 employees at the Baraka site working on the completion of the project within the specified timetable, and that the tests at stations 2, 3 and 4 have already started following the completion of all major construction works."