UAE nuclear energy project progressing

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) today (Tuesday) announced the completion of the construction of the concrete dome for the Unit 2 Reactor Containment Building (RCB), another major achievement in the development of the UAE’s nuclear energy programme.

The dome is the final structural component of the Reactor Containment Building, which now measures more than 70 metres in height. The RCB houses the nuclear reactor and is a critical structure in the nuclear plant’s defence-in-depth barriers.

RCBs are extremely robust in design; with thick concrete walls and heavy reinforcing steel, they rank among the strongest structures in the world. They are designed to confine and contain radiation, even in the most extreme circumstances.

Enec’s teams worked closely with Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), Hyundai/Samsung Joint Venture (HSJV) and Seoyong Construction throughout the complex RCB construction process.

“With the completion of the dome for Unit 2, we are proud to have maintained our track record of safety and efficiency. The construction of nuclear energy plants is immensely complex and not only involves highly technical infrastructure but thousands of people working under the highest standards of safety, security and quality,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Enec.

The dome, which measures 51.4 metres in diameter, 24 metres in height and weighs approximately 9,000 metric tonnes, has been constructed in nine stages. The next phase of work on the RCB will involve the installation of the containment post tensioning system, which is used for pre-stressing the concrete structure, followed by a three-month structural integrity test.

Installation of the Reactor Coolant System piping, connecting the Reactor Vessel with the Reactor Coolant Pumps and the Steam Generators was completed in February. In addition, all major components of the Turbo-Generator, including the Moisture Separator-Reheaters have been delivered to site and installed. Setting and component alignment work is on-going.

Enec has illustrated its ability and dedication to meeting the commitments of the UAE, as stated in the 2008 ‘Policy on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy.’

The project at Barakah is progressing steadily, Unit 1 is now more than 87 per cent complete, Unit 2 is 68 per cent complete, Unit 3 is 47 per cent complete and Unit 4 is 29 per cent complete. Overall, construction of Units 1 to 4 is now more than 62 per cent complete. Pending regulatory approval, the four units in Barakah are scheduled to be delivered by 2020, providing safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid.

When the four reactors are completed, the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program will provide approximately 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity needs and save up to 12 million tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

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