In a statement published today, the agency said that after an extensive inspection process, Nawah Energy – the company that owns the plant jointly with Kepco, South Korea’s largest utility corporation – is ready to commence the safe loading of its first fuel assemblies into the reactor.
FANR director general Christer Viktorsson said in a press conference: “FANR conducted extensive reviews and robust inspections to ensure [the Barakah plant] fulfils our regulatory requirements and thus is ready to operate safely.”
Abu Dhabi crown prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed commented: “Today marks a new chapter in our journey for the development of peaceful nuclear energy with the issuing of the operating license for the first Barakah plant.
“As we prepare for the next 50 years to safeguard our needs, our biggest strength is national talent.”
Located in the Al Dhafra area, 32 km southwest of Abu Dhabi, development plans for the plant started in 2012 as part of the UAE effort to diversify its energy sources.
The Barakah plant consists of four nuclear reactors that are expected to produce 5,600 MW of electricity, providing 25% of UAE electricity needs.
