FANR certifies first group of Emirati N-reactor operators

ABU DHABI / WAM

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE’s Nuclear Regulator, announced on Monday that it has certified the first group of 15 UAE National Senior Reactor Operators (SROs) and Reactor Operators (ROs) at Nawah Energy Company, the operations and maintenance subsidiary of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec).
The certification is part of complying with FANR’s Regulation 17 ‘Regulation for the
Certification of Operating Personnel at Nuclear Facilities’ that dictates requirements for the training and qualification of Senior Reactor Operators and Reactor Operators, and ensures their competence to operate the nuclear energy plant. In addition, the certification of SROs and ROs is a key requirement for future receipt of the Operating Licence.
A reactor operator is responsible for operating and managing the main control room (MCR) of a nuclear energy plant during regular operations and emergencies including starting up a nuclear reactor, shutting down a nuclear reactor, and monitoring reactor parameters.
“This is a major milestone for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. Investing in building Emirati nuclear expertise is pivotal for the sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme to attain the nation’s ambitious goals. FANR has played a critical role to certify the reactor operators and verifying their competence and readiness to operate the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in accordance with the highest standards of safety to ensure the protection of the public and the environment,” said Christer Viktorsson, FANR Director-General.
The first group took part in a three-year training programme developed by Enec and Nawah, according to the regulations set out by FANR.