Mr. Dietrich brings more than 27 years of international nuclear industry experience

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 28 February 2018:  The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has appointed Peter Dietrich as the Corporation’s Chief Nuclear Officer (CNO). Mr. Dietrich brings substantial international industry expertise from his 27-year career in the nuclear sector. 

The position of ENEC CNO serves a strategic function to the organization in supporting the successful development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, including assessing the program plan for the delivery of Units 1 to 4 in adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety and quality.

Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi ENEC CEO, said: “I welcome Peter to the executive team that is leading the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program and I look forward to working closely with him. He is a respected leader who has extensive experience in the global nuclear energy industry, demonstrating the capacity to continuously improve performance while mentoring and developing the appropriate skills and capabilities in the different organizations in which he has served.”

“The selection of Peter as our Chief Nuclear Officer highlights our objective to embed highly experienced international nuclear experts as part of ENEC’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, security and quality,” added Al Hammadi.

Prior to being appointed to his current position, Mr. Dietrich has worked at five different commercial nuclear sites over his career, including three years as Chief Nuclear Officer of a multi-unit energy plant in the USA. Mr. Dietrich joins ENEC from his previous position as Senior Vice-President, Transmission and Distribution, at Southern California Edison (SCE).

ENEC's operating and maintenance subsidiary Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), is the future holder of the Operating License from FANR, and will be responsible for the safe operations of the Barakah Plant and the Nawah Chief Nuclear Officer is accountable for the adherence to all regulatory obligations related to the Operating License.

The ENEC Chief Nuclear Officer is responsible for ensuring that Nawah receives full support from ENEC and its Joint Venture partner, the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), enabling Nawah to maintain focus on operations and the relevant licensing requirements.

In his role as Chief Nuclear Officer, Mr. Dietrich will be responsible for a series of leadership programs to support the next generation of Emirati nuclear professionals that will be required to operate the Barakah Plant over its 60 year lifespan.   

The project at Barakah is progressing steadily; with the overall construction completion of the project is more than 87%. Unit 4 is more than 66% complete, Unit 3 is more than 81%, Unit 2 is more than 92%, and Unit 1 is currently undergoing commissioning and testing, prior to regulatory review and receipt of the Operating License from the FANR. All four units will deliver clean, efficient and reliable electricity to the UAE. grid, and will save up to 21 million tons of carbon emissions each year, equivalent to removing 3.2 million sedan cars from the roads.