The first reactor at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant - the UAE's first nuclear power station - is almost ready, a top official said on Monday.
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) Director-General Christer Viktorsson said the regulatory body is now reviewing the operating license application made by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation on behalf of Nawah Energy Company to operate Units 1 and 2 of the plant in Al Dhafra.
"The reactor is almost technically ready," Viktorsson said during a media briefing.
In September last year, Minister of Energy Suhail Al Mazroui had said that the first reactor is 96
"We want to ensure highest levels of safety and security are met."
It is a series of tests and inspections to ascertain the safety and security
"We are continuously doing readiness inspections. We have still
These inspections result in findings which are then send to
Also last year, FANR carried out more than 746 inspections across the country, which according to Viktorsson led to an 'improvement of the safety culture'.
"There's a better understanding from licensees with regard to radiation safety and protection."
Viktorsson elaborated that FANR continuously monitors the radioactivity levels in the UAE environment through its laboratory at Khalifa University and through its radioactivity monitoring stations in various locations across the country.
On emergency preparedness, Viktorsson said FANR's Emergency Operation Centre is ready with
"This year, FANR aims to strengthen the capacity of Emergency Operation Centre by coordinating with national and international partners. We have plans to hold
Emiratis in N-sector
FANR is dedicated to developing Emiratis in the nuclear sector.
"Last December, 17 Emiratis graduated from our flagship programme the
Also, FANR aims to boost cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
"We expect to sign several Memorandum of Understanding, including with FANR counterparts in China."
In a bid to create more awareness among general public about the nuclear sector, FANR has recently launched community outreach programme by engaging with schools, universities and others.