The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has completed the construction of Unit 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, the Arab world’s first nuclear energy plant in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The unit has now been officially handed to Nawah Energy Company, Enec’s operating and maintenance subsidiary, for operational readiness activities.

Unit 2 has now cleared its construction phase and the focus now shifts to completing the operational readiness preparations, testing, regulatory inspections, and international assessments required for Nawah to obtain the Operating Licence for Unit 2 from the UAE’s independent nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of Enec, said: “The completion of Unit 2 construction activities in adherence to the highest international standards of safety, security and quality, and the handover of all systems to Nawah for commissioning are important milestones that reflect the dedication and skill of everyone involved in the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program.”

“These achievements also highlight the benefits of building four identical reactors simultaneously, as the lessons learned during the construction of Unit 1 have contributed to the development of Units 2, 3 and 4 of the Barakah Plant.

“These milestones at Unit 2 are also a further testament to the vision and commitment of the UAE’s leadership in the transition to clean energy sources in the region, and our collaboration with KEPCO as our prime contractor and joint venture partner,” added Al Hammadi.

In parallel to the above activities and despite the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Enec continues to successfully complete the construction of Barakah Units 3 and 4, which are benefitting from the experience and lessons learned during the construction of Units 1 and 2.

The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is one of the largest nuclear energy new-build projects in the world, with four APR-1400 units under simultaneous construction.