UAE Nuclear Regulator invites Public to Comment on Nuclear Facilities Guide

[Al Bhatti]

16-May-2013

UAE Nuclear Regulator invites Public to Comment on Nuclear Facilities Guide

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the country's independent nuclear regulatory body, has invited the public to review and comment on its draft Regulatory Guide on the Certification of Reactor Operators and Senior Reactor Operators at Nuclear Facilities.

This guide provides guidance for FANR's licensees on how to implement the requirements in FANR Regulation 17 for the Certification of Operating Personnel at Nuclear Facilities.

FANR has already issued a set of regulations and regulatory guides to help licensees fulfil their obligations.

The draft guide is available on the FANR website Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation |. Members of the public can send their comments to regulation@fanr.gov.ae during the next 30 days. FANR's Safety, Security and Safeguards Glossary can help interested readers to understand the specific terminology used in this regulatory guide.

As with previous regulations and regulatory guides, this draft guide has already been made available for 30 days to local and federal government entities for their comments.

FANR recognises the importance of the public's comments and maintains the highest standards of transparency in accordance with Article 9 of the Federal Law by Decree No 6 of 2009, Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy.

Since FANR's establishment on 24 September 2009, the nuclear regulator has asked its external stakeholders to review and comment on 14 regulations and 12 regulatory guides through either web-based or face-to-face communication.


The document: http://www.fanr.gov.ae/En/RulesRegulations/RegulationsGuides/Documents/RG 17 for public comments.pdf

Nuclear Regulator invites Public to Comment on Nuclear Facilities Guide

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Anyone in this field present on this forum can take part or you can share with your friends.

 

[Al Bhatti]

October 8, 2013

UAE’s nuclear programme ‘best-resourced in the world,’ UK expert says

The UAE’s nuclear programme is the best thought-through and resourced in the world, a leading expert said on Monday.

Barbara Thomas, Lady Judge, chair of the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and a member of the International Advisory Board for the nuclear programme, told the audience at a public forum of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation of her pride in being associated with the project.

“When I talk about the programme anywhere around the world, we refer to the Abu Dhabi programme as the gold standard,” she said. “It’s clearly the best thought-through and resourced nuclear programme in the world today. Everyone is proud to be associated with it.”

She said the commitment of having Emiratis run the nuclear power plants was impressive and made it different from other nuclear programmes.

Lady Judge congratulated everyone involved for achieving a world standard in nuclear power programmes.

She visited the Barakah site on Monday with members of the IAB, including Dr Hans Blix, chairman of the board, to inspect the site before the release of the eighth IAB report.

The third public forum this year took place at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and was broadcast live online to 900 viewers.

During the forum, which was attended by Sheikha Lubna Al Qassimi, the Minister of Development and International Cooperation, natural uranium was presented to the public to display the limited effects of radiation.

Ali Mubarak Al Alqusaili, a nuclear engineer at Enec, presented natural uranium with a geiger counter, displaying its level of radiation.

“When uranium is mined, it’s dug out,” he said. “They take the rocks, mill it and produce something called yellowcake, which has a content of uranium that is natural, not enriched. If it is enriched, then we’d have to worry about radiation.”

He said that, according to a UN study on radiation released in 2000, any person living on earth would be exposed to 240 millirems a year from natural resources.

Man-made resources expose people to approximately 40.7 mrem a year. “People get harmful effects from radiation at 100,000 mrem but that’s curable,” he said. “This is one of the causes that stopped people from traveling to Mars because the dose of radiation is close to 114,000 mrem which causes radiation sickness.”

The exposure of living within 80km of a nuclear plant is about 0.1 mrem.

“That number is nothing,” he said. “The quantities of uranium available on earth are enough to provide 400 nuclear plants with fuel for over 200 years.”

Mohammad Al Hammadi, chief executive of Enec, said a new study would be released by next year to determine the electricity needs of the nation over the next 10 years.

“We will conduct the study every 10 years to forecast the electricity demand over the next decade,” he said. “In 2020, 25 per cent of electricity in the UAE will be provided through nuclear energy, 7 per cent will be from renewables and the rest will come from conventional resources such as oil and gas.”

Fahad Al Qahtani, director of external relations and communications at Enec, told the forum there had been an increase in electricity demand in the UAE, China, Brazil and India.

“By 2030, studies show that the number of people living in the UAE will increase by 40 per cent and the GDP is expected to more than triple, reaching Dh1.5 trillion,” he said. “This is a huge industrial growth.”

Mr Al Hammadi said the Government had set up a committee to set the best policies for energy production.

“We’ll have the smartest energy portfolio in the world to support our economic development,” he said.

UAE nuclear programme 'best-resourced in the world', UK Atomic Energy Authority official says | The National

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March 23, 2014

Praise for UAE’s ‘gold standard’ nuclear power programme

The UAE is heading to the Nuclear Security Summit with “good stories”.

The country’s nuclear programme has been praised as the “gold standard” and the UAE is constantly striving to keep up to date with best international practices.

“We’ve met our commitments. We stand in a very good shape today in terms of having ratified and signed all the agreements of nuclear security,” said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

“We are party to many international initiatives in supporting nuclear security and we are really an active partner internationally in nuclear security. This is in conjunction with our efforts to develop a nuclear programme as a model for other countries and nuclear security is a major part of that.”

The country has signed nine bilateral agreements on nuclear security and cooperation with the United States’ Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the Nuclear Safety and Security Commission in South Korea and IRSN in France.

Mr Al Kaabi said the UAE had some of the highest standards.

“This is where we see the drive for the UAE to adopt a model system that supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy, prevent nuclear terrorism and any risks or jeopardy to nuclear security,” he said.

Barbara Judge, the former head of the UK Atomic Energy Authority, said the UAE’s nuclear programme was “the gold standard”.

“They’ve done a very good job,” she said. “The fact that the Government is so behind it will make it one of the best programmes in the world,” said Ms Judge, who is also the deputy chair of the nuclear reform monitoring committee of the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

She said in some countries, the government stood back.

“But here, all the objectives are aligned to make this the best. The Government in Abu Dhabi wants it to be a showcase for the rest of the world, as well as on time and budget,” Ms Judge said.

The UAE is continuing the push to ensure nuclear security and safety. An integrated master working plan was signed between the country and the IAEA, which enhances the effectiveness of their partnership from 2013 to 2017, including nuclear security. “Nuclear security is a fairly new topic when compared to nuclear safety,” said Mr Al Kaabi.

“Nuclear security is the responsibility of the state, so if you have facilities, you are responsible to protect them.”

He said a lot of questions around the budget for nuclear security were being asked by member states.

“Some say the IAEA should spend their money on other issues, such as technical cooperation, for instance,” he said.

“They believe in acquiring technologies as opposed to spending more on nuclear security. But others feel nuclear security is more important strategically for them to ensure that there is no misuse of radioactive material. This is part of the discussion but there is no big divide and nuclear security has received a lot of support within the IAEA.”

The UAE plans to host an IAEA workshop this year on the security of transport of nuclear materials.

Praise for UAE’s ‘gold standard’ nuclear power programme | The National

 

[Al Bhatti]

May 20, 2014

Shaikh Mansour watches as South Korean President Park Geun-hye signs the reactor container for the first power plant in Baraka, Abu Dhabi, yesterday. Park said construction work at the Baraka power plants was proof of her country’s strong ties with the UAE.

UAE's nuclear energy plan closer to reality

Shaikh Mansour and South Korean president attend signing of nuclear energy cooperation deal

Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Park Geun-hye, South Korea’s President, on Tuesday attended a special ceremony marking the arrival of the reactor container of the first nuclear power plant in Baraka, Abu Dhabi.

Shaikh Mansour and the South Korean President were briefed by Eng. Mohammad Ebrahim Al Hammadi, CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), on the progress of work on the UAE’s peaceful nuclear power programme and its latest developments.

Officials from Enec and Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco) gave presentations on improvements made in safety at the nuclear site and the construction development.


They were also informed about the newly opened Simulator Training Centre (STC) at Baraka in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi — the site of the UAE’s nuclear energy plants.

The new simulators, which are among the world’s most advanced nuclear training devices and the first of their kind in the Middle East, will complement Enec’s comprehensive training programme and help Enec to prepare its scholarships students to attain Reactor Operator (RO) and Senior Reactor Operator (SRO) certification. They will also provide continuous training for Enec’s SROs.

Shaikh Mansour expressed his pleasure at this historic event in the development of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear programme where the arrival of the reactor container is a significant achievement and clear cut evidence of the strong relationship between the UAE and South Korea as well as of the importance of fruitful cooperation between the two countries in the quest to make this project a success according to the highest quality standards.

He added: “The peaceful nuclear energy plays an important role in the future of our nation; these stations will provide us the electricity we need to meet our requirements.”

Shaikh Mansour underlined that the programme would provide many opportunities for national personnel and would also further enhance their skills and knowledge to contribute to the economic prosperity of the country.

The Korean President expressed her delight at being at Baraka where she witnessed the arrival of the first reactor container. She said the construction works on Baraka nuclear power plants provides concrete proof of the strong relations with the UAE.

Later, Shaikh Mansour and President Park Geun-hye attended the signing of three memorandums of understanding on strategic cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy between the two countries.

UAE's nuclear energy plan closer to reality | GulfNews.com

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[Al Bhatti]

9 July 2014

UAE signs global pact on nuclear liability

The UAE has joined the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC), an international treaty which was developed as an umbrella for international liability conventions, providing the basis for a global nuclear liability regime.

Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), signed the pact in Vienna on Monday.

“The UAE is taking the lead again in setting a good example by joining the Supplementary Compensation Convention,” he said. “International nuclear liability conventions, such as the CSC, provide a framework which is consistent with the UAE’s responsible approach in developing a safe and secure nuclear energy programme.”

The UAE has previously joined a set of international conventions designed to provide compensation for damage arising from nuclear incidents.

These conventions, which form an international nuclear liability regime, include the 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, as amended by the 1997 Protocol, and the Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention.

The UAE issued its Federal Law on Nuclear Liability in 2012 to regulate the provisions and determine the scope of civil liability and compensation for the damage that could occur as a result of a nuclear accident.

The law defines the financial security that the nuclear operator must maintain and elaborates upon the implementation of international obligations in relation to Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.

Under the international nuclear liability framework, the operator of a nuclear facility is solely and exclusively liable for losses arising from a nuclear incident.

By joining the CSC, the UAE has completed the list of international treaties related to nuclear energy, safety, security and non-proliferation, as outlined in the Policy of United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy.

UAE signs global pact on nuclear liability

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July 8, 2014

Left to right, Abdulaziz Hashim and Abdelrahman Al Khamiri are set to graduate as nuclear specialists, while Muna Al Suwaidi will be going to South Korea for on-the-job training in October. Mona Al Marzooqi / The National

‘It is an amazing experience’: first batch of Emirati nuclear energy specialists to graduate

The first batch of Emirati nuclear-technology graduates will be ready to start their careers this weekend.

Seventeen students at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, who specialised in various areas of nuclear energy, will be able to use their skills at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation for the next three years.

“This is a unique programme and the first that was provided from any university in the UAE in nuclear engineering,” said Abdelrahman Al Khamiri, a 21-year-old graduate from Sharjah.

“My aim was to work in the energy sector in the UAE, so I chose nuclear energy. It is a new type of energy that will help to serve the UAE. I specialised in the operation of a nuclear power plant.”

He and his fellow student, Abdulaziz Hashim, along with 15 others will graduate on Saturday in the capital.

Mr Hashim said: “I think we will be the first ones in the Middle East to work in the nuclear industry so it is an amazing experience.

“It’s a great first opportunity for people from the Arabian Gulf to work in such an industry, especially because it’s difficult to be a nuclear engineer.”

Mr Hashim, who specialised in being a nuclear power operator, said he was ready to work in any nuclear plant.

“We went to [South] Korea as part of an internship and managed to see the actual system, how pumps worked, how we could use the valves,” he said. “It was really an amazing experience to enter a power plant for the first time.”

Although the three-year programme started with 42 students, only 17 will graduate. But its popularity is growing among Emiratis.

“I think nuclear power is exotic but it is an easy concept and straightforward when you learn about the different processes and radioactive material,” said Dr Anthony Edward Hechanova, the head of Advanced Energy Engineering Technology at the polytechnic.

“I’ve seen interest growing. Nuclear power requires a very keen respect of safety at all levels, more so than any other industry, except maybe aerospace.”

The programme includes an internship in the Shin Kori nuclear power plant in South Korea.

“We have 47 students there right now,” said Dr Hechanova.

Muna Al Suwaidi, 19, will start her four and a half month internship at the South Korean plant in October.

“It’s a great opportunity for women to make something of themselves in this industry,” said the Emirati.

“It was shocking for my parents at first because they thought it was dangerous because of the material I would deal with, so they were scared for my safety.

“But they were still supportive. I think all women can work in this field.”

The first internship takes place in the second year at the Korean plant and allows students to pick a specialisation.

These include plant operator, mechanical engineering technologist, electrical technologist, instrumentation and control as well as chemistry and radiation protection.

“It is a familiarisation by going through all the systems and shift work,” said Dr Hechanova.

“So they see all the different technical jobs and they spend a week shadowing each of the different shifts.”

The second internship, at the same site in their third year, involves on-the-job training in the specialisation they chose for five and a half months.

During the programme at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic, the students also take classes in maths, sciences, and engineering.

“The programme was designed with the industry in mind,” said Dr Hechanova. “What’s important is that we give the students what they need to succeed. We’re not teaching French or literature. It puts us in a focused career path.”

The programme will move to the Barakah nuclear power plants in Al Gharbia in 2017 or 2018 once they become operational.

About 25 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s power needs will come from these plants when they come on stream.

The students will be able to train there before signing a contract with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation for their first three years.

‘It is an amazing experience’: first batch of Emirati nuclear energy specialists to graduate | The National

 

[Al Bhatti]

August 27, 2014

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation has announced that more than 55 per cent of construction has been completed on its first peaceful energy reactor at Barakah, in the Western Region.

More than 55 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s Unit 1 nuclear power plant complete

More than 55 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s first nuclear reactor at Barakah, in the Western Region, is complete, said the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation.

The government body released exclusive video footage to The National showing the work completed so far.

International nuclear energy experts have called the work carried out at Barakah impressive in both quality and safety.

“On-time and on-budget advancement of the construction work in the Barakah nuclear plant is yet another successful milestone of the UAE’s well-thought plans,” said Hamad Alkaabi, the UAE ambassador to the International Atomic Energy Agency.

“After more than five years since the start-up of the UAE programme it is quite an achievement for the UAE, and the global nuclear sector, to be able to advance to such a stage in a steady and quality manner.”

Last November, Kristine Svinicki of the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission toured the site where the country’s first nuclear plants were being built.

“The UAE indeed has an inspiring story to tell about their nuclear energy project,” Ms Svinicki said at the time. “It truly makes it a model for other nations to follow.”

Fahad Al Qahtani, Enec’s External Communications Director, said the body was hoping to pour concrete for Unit 4 next year, pending regulatory approval.

“2016 would also be the arrival and installation of the first fuel load,” said Mr Al Qahtani. “We are happy and proud that it is happening and it is on schedule.”

Construction of Barakah Unit 2 is under way, with an entry into commercial operation scheduled in 2018.

Enec plans to apply for an operating licence for the first two reactors in 2017.

With four plants operational by 2020, nuclear energy is expected to deliver up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, saving up to 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year.

More than 55 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s Unit 1 nuclear power plant complete | The National

Link to the video Video: Barakah unit 1 more than 55 per cent complete | The National

 

[Al Bhatti]

September 16, 2014

Two nuclear reactors to be built in UAE
Federal Nuclear Regulation Authority authorises Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp to build two more nuclear power reactors at Barakah site

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) of the UAE has authorised the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) to begin building two additional nuclear power reactors at the Barakah site in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi emirate.

The licence for the construction of units three and four of the Barakah Nuclear Facility and related regulated activities was approved by the FANR Board of Management at its meeting on Monday. The licence authorises Enec to construct two additional Korean-designed, advanced pressurised water reactors of the type known as the APR1400, each capable of producing 1,400 megawatts of electricity.

FANR granted a construction licence for units one and two at the Barakah site in July 2012; that licence was the first provided to a “newcomer” country in 31 years to authorise the construction of its first nuclear power plant since China did so in 1981.

The licence permits Enec to construct the reactors but Enec must apply for a separate operating licence before it can begin to operate them. Enec is expected to submit an application in 2015 for a licence to operate units 1 and 2.

“The latest licence approval illustrates the significant progress the United Arab Emirates has achieved in its nuclear energy programme,” said Dr Ahmad Al Mazroui, Chairman of the FANR Board of Management.

The granting of the units 3 and 4 construction licence followed an intensive 18-month review by about 200 FANR and other technical experts. They examined all relevant safety factors including the adequacy of the reactor site, the design of the facility, the safety analysis, management systems and quality assurance for construction, radiation safety measures, physical protection and safeguards.


Furthermore, the review incorporated lessons learnt from the March 2011 accident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power station. Throughout its review, FANR has benefited from its close collaboration with both the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and nuclear regulatory officials in the Republic of Korea.


“The FANR team is dedicated to ensuring that nuclear energy in the UAE is pursued safely, securely and peacefully,” said FANR’s Director General Dr William D. Travers. “In addition to our detailed review of Enec’s operating licence application, FANR will continue to closely monitor construction at the Barakah site, and will verify that all rules and regulations are followed before it grants any authorisation to Enec to commence operations.”

Two nuclear reactors to be built in UAE | GulfNews.com

 

[Al Bhatti]

September 24, 2014

Pouring of concrete for unit 3 at Barakah nuclear plant begins
Planned commencement of operation in 2017 on schedule

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has achieved another milestone in the development and complex construction of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant by pouring the safety concrete for the Reactor Containment Building for Unit 3.

This significant milestone follows the receipt of the Construction Licence from the Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation (FANR). More than 1,954 cubic yards of concrete were poured during a concrete pouring ceremony attended by senior Enec and Kepco (Korea Electric Power Corporation) officials, a press release issued by Enec said on Wednesday.

This is the first safety concrete to be poured at Unit 3 and is the first stage in building the third reactor for the UAE’s nuclear programme. Preparation works have been carried out over a 12-month period to arrive at the stage where the concrete could be poured. This extensive preparation has included excavation works, lean-concrete to provide a base, waterproofing and reinforcing steel installation.

The safety concrete is the placement of the safety-related concrete that forms part of the lower basement structure of the reactor containment building. Concrete placements will be a regular and ongoing process after the first placement is completed.

Construction will now continue by concreting being completed in height increasing stages until the Reactor Containment Building wall will be installed. Construction of the reactor containment building will be completed over the next three years and Unit 3 is on track to enter commercial operations by 2019.

“The concrete pouring is yet another key accomplishment for Enec and the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme,” said Mohammad Al Hammadi, CEO of Enec. “Enec is working hard to reach its construction targets on schedule and deliver safe, efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the UAE starting by 2017.”

“Just over a week ago, we received the approval from FANR to begin construction for Units 3 and 4 and were ready to commence the concrete pouring. As in all our operations, we are committed to ensuring that safety is a top priority in all the construction steps undertaken for the UAE’s nuclear energy plants.”

Following an 18-month rigorous review by the UAE Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and a team of international nuclear energy experts, the regulator granted Enec approval last week to commence construction of units 3 and 4.

Unit one is already more than 57 per cent complete and due to connect to the grid in 2017. Construction of Unit two is also well under way and this unit is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2018.

Once the four reactors are complete, the UAE’s nuclear programme will provide approximately 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity needs, saving up to 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year.

Pouring of concrete for unit 3 at Barakah nuclear plant begins | GulfNews.com

 

[Al Bhatti]

February 8, 2015

International experts commend UAE’s nuclear framework
International and IAEA experts examine UAE’s nuclear framework

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has continued its strong progress towards developing a regulatory framework for nuclear safety in the nation, according to a team of international safety experts that completed a one-week review of that framework on Sunday.

At the UAE’s request, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) assembled a team of ten international and IAEA experts to examine FANR’s progress towards implementing recommendations and suggestions made by an IAEA Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team in 2011. At that time, the IAEA team found that FANR was using many good practices to oversee the safety of all nuclear-related activities in the UAE, and in a comprehensive report the team also offered guidance on ways for FANR to improve further.

“This month’s IRRS follow-up mission has shown that FANR has completed adopting nearly all the advice the IRRS mission offered three years ago,” said team leader Carl-Magnus Larsson, head of the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency.

The IAEA team found that FANR is effectively implementing 43 of the 48 findings made by the IRRS mission in 2011. The team also counselled that the UAE’s nuclear safety programme could be enhanced when ongoing efforts to develop a policy for radioactive waste management are completed.

“By inviting an IRRS mission, the UAE demonstrated its commitment to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety, and to learn from international experience,” said Denis Flory, the IAEA’s Deputy Director-General for Nuclear Safety and Security. “And inviting an IRRS follow-up mission shows stronger commitment to this goal.”

In addition to its follow-up review, the IAEA team conducted its first assessment of FANR’s regulatory system to oversee the safe transport of radioactive materials and made two recommendations.

“We are grateful for the supportive comments and excellent guidance offered by the IAEA team,” said Dr William D. Travers, FANR’s Director-General. “As a fundamental principle, FANR seeks to continuously improve its efforts to maximise nuclear safety and security in the UAE.”

The IAEA experts delivered a draft report of their review today, and they are expected to complete a final report within approximately three months. FANR anticipates that, in accordance with previous decisions, the UAE Government will publish the report.

FANR aims to protect the public, workers and the environment by conducting nuclear regulatory programmes to overseeing safety, security and safeguards in the nation. FANR was established in 2009 following the UAE Government’s decision to pursue a peaceful nuclear power programme.

International experts commend UAE’s nuclear framework | GulfNews.com

 

[Al Bhatti]

July 26, 2015

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation installed a second reactor control room simulator for training.

Second training simulator installed at Barakah nuclear plant


A second training simulator has been installed at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s centre in Barakah.

The first, which was delivered in April 2014, was given a major upgrade which allows it to mimic real conditions and scenarios at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Gharbia.

“Enec is constructing the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant to the highest standards of safety, quality, and performance,” said Ahmed Al Rumaithi, deputy chief executive. “This facility provides a proven method of training that ensures our reactor operators are well-prepared for all scenarios and ready to deliver safe and reliable operations for our plant at all times.”

The simulators are among the most advanced nuclear training devices in the world and are used with classroom and on-the-job training to teach trainees the skills needed to operate a nuclear energy plant.

The simulators also provide students the chance to experience unplanned events that they would otherwise not be exposed to in day-to-day operations.

Enec has seven groups of trainees that comprise 116 reactor operators at various stages of initial certification training. The first two groups are scheduled to take their examination in February.

The Barakah plant will eventually consist of four nuclear power generating units with a combined capacity of approximately 5,600 megawatts. The organisation’s first 1,400mw unit is scheduled to be complete in 2017. Additional units will follow at annual intervals with the fourth unit set to commence commercial operations in 2020 after regulatory reviews and licensing.

Second training simulator installed at Barakah nuclear plant | The National


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