Quality Assurance in Action at Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant

04.12.18

Through the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (ENEC) rigorous construction oversight and Quality Assurance (QA) process, concrete voids were identified during the construction phase of Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The voids were detected by the Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO), and verified by ENEC; the owner of the Barakah Plant.

Following the discovery, ENEC, as the Construction License holder, officially notified the UAE nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and a thorough investigation process commenced.

This process included engagement from KEPCO and the Hyundai Samsung Joint Venture (HSJV), as well as an independent expert on concrete contracted by ENEC, to verify the results of the investigation.

Throughout the process, FANR has been regularly updated, and reviewed the repair plan and repair works on Unit 3, which are scheduled for completion by the end of 2018.

Furthermore:

• No voids were found in Units 1 and 4.
• Only minor small voids were found in Unit 2. An investigation by KEPCO and ENEC is complete, a repair plan is undergoing internal review, and FANR will review the repair plan and subsequent repair works.

The quality and safety-led construction of the Barakah Plant continues to progress steadily, and the repair works for Units 2 and 3 are not anticipated to impact the project schedule.