The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) has achieved yet another milestone in the development and complex construction of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant by pouring the safety concrete for the reactor containment building for Unit 3.

This significant milestone follows the receipt of the construction licence from the Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation (FANR). More than 1,954 cubic-yards of concrete were poured during a concrete pouring ceremony attended by senior Enec and Kepco officials.

This is the first safety concrete to be poured at Unit 3 and is the first stage in building the third reactor for the UAE’s nuclear programme. Preparation works have been carried out over a 12-month period to arrive at the stage where the concrete could be poured. This extensive preparation has included excavation works, lean-concrete to provide a base, waterproofing and reinforcing steel installation.

The safety concrete forms part of the lower basement structure of the reactor containment building. Concrete placements will be a regular and ongoing process after the first placement is completed.

Construction will now continue until the reactor containment building wall is installed. Construction of the building will be completed over the next three years and Unit 3 is on track to enter commercial operations by 2019.

“The concrete pouring is yet another key accomplishment for Enec and the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of Enec. “Enec is working hard to reach its construction targets on schedule and deliver safe, efficient and reliable nuclear energy to the UAE starting by 2017.”

“Just over a week ago, we received the approval from FANR to begin for construction for Units 3 and 4 and were ready to commence the concrete pouring. As in all our operations, we are committed to ensuring that safety is a top priority in all the construction steps undertaken for the UAE’s nuclear energy plants.”         

Following an 18-month review by the FANR and a team of international nuclear energy experts, the regulator granted Enec approval last week to commence construction of units 3 and 4.

Unit 1 is already more than 57 per cent complete and due to connect to the grid in 2017. Construction of Unit 2 is also well under way and this unit is scheduled to enter commercial operation in 2018.

Once the four reactors are complete, the UAE’s nuclear programme will provide approximately 25 per cent of the country's electricity needs, saving up to 12 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. - TradeArabia News Service