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FANR Certifies second group of UAE National Nuclear Reactor Operators

23.09.19

  • A major milestone in the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program
  • 53 SROs and ROs now qualified to work at the Barakah plant; of which 22 are UAE Nationals
  • Certification is part of Operational Readiness; a key requirement of the Operating License Application

second-group-of-certified-sros-and-ros-rs-5d88aa2ee3638.jpg (Gallery Image)

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 23 September 2019: Abu Dhabi, UAE 23 September 2019: The second group of 38 multinational Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs) of the Nawah Energy Company (Nawah), the operational subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), have been officially certified by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator.

The graduation and licensing of the operators was celebrated during a special ceremony held in Abu Dhabi. The event was attended by senior executives including His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR and Mark Reddemann, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, who addressed and congratulated the young nuclear professionals.

The licensing of this second group of Nawah SROs and ROs is a significant achievement in the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program and is a reflection of the ongoing success of ENEC and Nawah’s human capacity development programs. The total number of qualified operators has now reached 53, well above the 32 required to operate Unit 1 at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

“Since our establishment in 2009, ENEC has been committed to building Emirati nuclear energy expertise, recognizing its pivotal importance in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program,” said H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC. “The certification by FANR of Nawah’s second group of talented reactor operators and senior reactor operators marks a major milestone in our steady progress towards the commencement of safety and quality-led operations at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.”

“In July 2019 we celebrated the first FANR certified group of 15 UAE National SROs and ROs. This second certified group includes another 7 UAE Nationals working with their multinational colleagues whom will be responsible for operating the Barakah plant, according to the highest international best practices and global operating experience. We are very proud to have over50 nationalities working as one team to develop and operate the Barakah plant, the first of its kind in the Arab World”, added Al Hammadi.

“Reactor operators play a crucial role in ensuring that all aspects of plant operations are conducted according to the highest standards of safety, quality and security. Reactor operators adjust control rods, manipulate equipment, implement operation procedures, conduct surveillance tests and optimize energy generation for the UAE’s grid. We are proud to recognize the achievements of these talented men and women and look forward to their future success at Nawah,” said Mark Reddemann CEO of Nawah.

ENEC is building four identical nuclear energy units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi Emirate. As of the end of July 2019, the overall construction of the four units is more than 93%. Unit 4 is more than 82% complete, Unit 3 is more than 91% and Unit 2 is more than 95%. Unit 1 construction is complete and the unit is currently undergoing commissioning and testing, prior to regulatory review and receipt of the Operating License from the FANR, which is currently in the final stages of reviewing the operating license application for Units 1 and 2.

Once operational, the units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will be operated in accordance with the highest standards of safety, quality and security by a diverse team of experienced international experts, specialists from Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP), and nuclear professionals from Nawah.

Photo caption: His Excellency Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, Christer Viktorsson, Director General of FANR and Mark Reddemann, Chief Executive Officer of Nawah, with the second group of 38 multinational Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs).