Barakah nuclear plant Unit 4 dome completed

abu dhabi — the emirates nuclear energy corporation (enec) said on tuesday that it has successfully completed the reactor containment building, (rcb) dome for unit 4, the final unit of the barakah nuclear energy plant, marking another step in the development of the plant.

enec also said that the unit’s reactor coolant loop (rcl), pipe welding, and the setting of key equipment have also been completed. the dome is the final structural component of the rcb, which now measures around 70 metres in height.

the rcb houses the nuclear reactor vessel (rv), steam generators and other major components. built out of concrete and heavily reinforced steel, rcbs are ranked among the strongest structures in the world. the successful completion of welding of the rcl, which plays a key role in transferring heat from the rv to the steam generators, is another key step towards the start of major testing for the systems of unit 4.

mohamed al hammadi, enec ceo, said: “these achievements highlight the significant progress being made in both the construction of unit 4 as well as the journey towards the overall completion of the plant.”

he added that construction of the last unit of the plant commenced in 2015, and it continues to benefit from the lessons learned from the construction of the other three units. “with construction completion for unit 4 currently standing at 67 per cent, the next phase for the unit will be to start the transition from construction to testing and commissioning.”

al hammadi added: “enec is committed to delivering clean, safe and efficient electricity through peaceful nuclear energy to the uae, in adherence to the highest international standards. these recent milestones are the result of the exceptional partnership between enec and its prime contractor and joint venture partner, the korea electric power corporation, in combination with the dedication and expertise of emiratis and international experts.”

since its inception in 2009, enec has focused on the safe delivery of the uae peaceful nuclear energy programme.

overall construction completion of units 1-4 stands at more than 87 per cent.