Who Operates the Plant?

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We began training our Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs) right from the moment we began the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, ensuring that our flagship Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is operated and maintained by highly skilled professionals. Through the Energy Pioneers Initiative launched in 2009, ENEC has attracted over 500 of the country’s most talented science students, engineering graduates, and experienced professionals, prepared them for impactful careers in the nuclear energy sector.

All Reactor Operators undergo specialized training and must be certified by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) before they can operate the reactors at Barakah. The trained personnel, including SROs and ROs, are employed by ENEC Operations, a subsidiary of ENEC responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah Plant.

A major milestone was achieved in 2019 when the first UAE Nationals were certified by FANR as SROs and ROs, highlighting the success of our training programs. These individuals, and those who have since followed them, completed rigorous, hands-on training with global experts and gained operational experience at nuclear facilities, initially in countries such as Korea, the USA, and South Africa, and now in our training facilities here in the UAE.

Our commitment to training continues, ensuring the safe, reliable, and sustainable operation of Barakah throughout its 60-year lifespan. ENEC is dedicated to developing the next generation of leaders in nuclear energy, with a strong emphasis on empowering UAE Nationals to lead the future of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.

In line with this commitment, ENEC Operations launched its Diploma in Nuclear Technology (DNT) in July 2023, designed to equip future leaders with the skills necessary to support the Barakah Plant's operations and the UAE’s journey to Net Zero.

Learn more about ENEC’s advanced training facilities and how we leverage global expertise to ensure the UAE benefits from world-class operational standards.