ENEC says first nuclear reactor closer to start up

ABU DHABI / AGENCIES

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corp (ENEC), building the world’s largest single nuclear project, is testing operations of what could be the first reactor in the United Arab Emirates.
The Barakah project of four plants in Abu Dhabi is more than 87 percent finished, with unit 1 being prepared and tested, ENEC said on Wednesday in an emailed statement. In May, the project was 79 percent done, with the first unit 95 percent complete. Peter Dietrich, formerly of Southern California Edison Co, joined as chief nuclear officer, ENEC said in the statement.
The position of ENEC CNO serves a strategic function to the organisation in supporting the successful development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, including assessing the programme plan for the delivery of Units 1 to 4 in adherence to the highest standards of nuclear safety and quality.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC CEO, said, “I welcome Peter to the executive team that is leading the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme and I look forward to working closely with him.”