The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) said that preparation is going at full tilt for the operational readiness of Barakah plant's Unit 1, while highlighting the progress being made on the construction of the other three units.

The construction of the plant is progressing safely and steadily, reported Emirates news agency Wam, citing a progress report from Enec.

The report underlined the importance of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to the UAE’s progress in diversifying and securing the country's energy sources and the impact of the plant and the wider UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme on creating strong opportunities for local businesses and communities.

The report underscored the quality-led approach adopted to the construction and commissioning of the Barakah plant in line with the highest standards of safety, quality and transparency, which has made the project a role model for all new nuclear energy programmes globally.

The Barakah Plant has already had a significant impact on the growth and prosperity of the UAE, with contracts valued at more than Dh13 billion ($3.5 billion) awarded to local companies. In addition, the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is educating and training a new generation of Emirati nuclear energy experts, the report stated.

Teams from Enec and its joint venture partner and prime contractor Kepco have recently achieved a series of construction milestones on the units of the Barakah Plant. In 2017, the reactor containment building liner dome section was installed and concrete pouring for the dome was completed on Unit 3, and the reactor containment liner plate rings, reactor vessel, steam generators and condenser were installed on Unit 4. Testing and commissioning activities are progressing steadily on Units 1 and 2.

Construction began in 2012 and the overall completion of the four units is now more than 84 per cent complete, with Unit 1 now more than 96 per cent complete. Once the four reactors are online, the facility will deliver up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs, and save up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.