Abu Dhabi nuclear plant at Barakah hits milestone

Steam generators have been installed in the final unit of the Barakah power plant

Barakah site update photos as of May 2017. (WAM Photo)

Abu Dhabi’s nuclear power plant in Barakah hit a milestone on Monday with the installation of the steam generators for the final unit of the plant.

Unit 4 was also fitted in with a reactor vessel at the plant’s site in the Western Region.

“The UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme supports the Abu Dhabi Plan by contributing to a diversified energy mix and sustainable, long term economic growth,” said Khaldoon Al Mubarak, chairman of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (Enec) Board of Directors.

“The installation of the final reactor vessel and steam generators is a great achievement and I am proud of the unwavering commitment and professionalism demonstrated by the entire team. From our Emirati engineers to our international experts and Korean partners, the focus has remained on quality, safety and efficiency throughout this development process.”

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Steam generators, which are similar in length to a tennis court, play a key role in the conversion of energy generated by the nuclear fission reaction in the reactor vessel into electricity, which will eventually power homes and businesses throughout the UAE.

The heat generated in the vessel is transferred to the steam generator and turns water into steam, which is then used to spin a turbine and generate electricity.

“Nuclear energy plays a strategic role for the future of our nation, enabling economic and industrial growth, as well as careers in nuclear energy for Emirati youth,” said Jassim Al Zaabi, chairman of the Executive Committee Office and member of the Executive Council. “It will also support in securing the energy sector by diversifying energy sources to meet the rapid growth of the national economy.”

The project is progressing steadily with Unit 4 now more than 52 per cent complete and Unit 1 more than 96 per cent complete.

When the four reactors are completed, the plant will save up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions each year.