The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, participated in the 62nd Annual Regular Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA, General Conference, taking place from 17th to 21st September 2018, in Vienna, Austria. The ENEC delegation is led by Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC.

Speaking at an event - hosted by the UAE on the sidelines of the conference - Al Hammadi updated attending officials and representatives from IAEA member states on the status of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant project and the ongoing commissioning of Unit 1 of the plant.

"The UAE established a peaceful nuclear energy programme to support the achievement of several strategic goals," said Al Hammadi. "These include diversifying the nation’s economy and energy supply, increasing energy security, enhancing environmental sustainability, and providing talented young UAE Nationals with high-value, rewards career opportunities."

"The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant Project, the cornerstone of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, is progressing safely and steadily. However, the success of the UAE’s programme is not only in the delivery of four reactors - it also has a crucial role to play in demonstrating to the world that peaceful nuclear energy can be an engine of growth for a country, and that it is one of the few proven technologies that can power the world in a sustainable, emissions free manner," he added.

The UAE also co-hosted a side-event together with the International Youth Nuclear Congress, an international organisation which aims to promote the role of youth for the future of the nuclear industry.

Badreya Almarzooqi, Vice Chairwoman of the recently established Barakah Youth Council, presented the ongoing investment ENEC has made in human capacity development for the success of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

The UAE Programme is built on the most rigorous standards of quality, transparency and security, making the UAE a role model for nuclear energy development worldwide. IAEA experts have conducted 10 peer review missions to assess key components of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, which shows unprecedented level of collaboration globally and reflects ENEC`s commitment to safety and safeguards. Before nuclear operations commence in Barakah, IAEA officials will visit the plants and review the operational readiness of the staff and equipment.

As of end of July 2018, Unit 2 construction competition percentage is now more than 93 percent, Unit 3 is more than 84 percent, Unit 4 is more than 75 percent, and overall progress rate of Units 1 to 4 is more than 89 percent complete. All four units will deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient electricity to the UAE grid, and prevent the release of more than 21 million tons of carbon dioxide a year.

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