Abu Dhabi, UAE – 19 September 2018: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) participated in the 62nd  Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference, taking place at the IAEA International Center in Vienna, Austria, from 17 to 21 September 2018. The ENEC delegation to the Conference is led by Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC.

 

Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi delivered a speech during the special event hosted by the UAE on the side-lines of the General Conference, in which he updated attending officials and representatives from IAEA member states on the status of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project and the ongoing commissioning of Unit 1 of the plant.

 

“The UAE established a peaceful nuclear energy program to support the achievement of several strategic goals,” said Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi during his keynote. “These include diversifying the nation’s economy and energy supply, increasing energy security, enhancing environmental sustainability, and providing talented young UAE Nationals with high-value, rewards career opportunities.”

 

“The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Project, the cornerstone of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, is progressing safely and steadily. However, the success of the UAE’s program is not only  in the delivery of four reactors - it also has a crucial role to play in demonstrating to the world that peaceful nuclear energy can be an engine of growth for a country, and that it is one of the few proven technologies that can power the world in a sustainable, emissions free manner,” added Eng. Al Hammadi.

 

The UAE also co-hosted a side-event together with the International Youth Nuclear Congress (IYNC), an international organization which aims to promote the role of youth for the future of the nuclear industry. Eng. Badreya Almarzooqi Vice Chairwoman of the recently established Barakah Youth Council presented the ongoing investment ENEC has made in human capacity development for the success of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.

 

The UAE Program is built on the most rigorous standards of quality, transparency and security, making the UAE a role model for nuclear energy development worldwide. IAEA experts have conducted 10 peer review missions to assess key components of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, which shows unprecedented  level of collaboration globally and reflects ENEC's commitment to safety and safeguards.  Before nuclear operations commence in Barakah, IAEA officials will visit the plants and review the operational readiness of the staff and equipment.

 

As of end of July 2018, Unit 2 construction competition percentage is now more than 93%, Unit 3 is more than 84%, Unit 4 is more than 75%,  and overall progress rate of Units 1 to 4 is more than 89% complete. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient electricity to the UAE grid, and prevent the release of more than 21 million tons of greenhouse gas emission every year.