The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) have recently signed an Operating Support Services Agreement (OSSA) at a ceremony held at ENEC’s headquarters in Abu Dhabi in the presence of senior management representatives from both companies. Under the agreement, KHNP will dispatch experienced and qualified nuclear plant personnel to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including main control room operators and local operators, to support ENEC’s operating subsidiary, Nawah Energy Company (Nawah). As part of the scope of the OSSA to contribute to safe operations and maintenance of the nuclear energy plants, an estimated 400 KHNP experts will support operations at the Barakah site every year until 2030.
As per regulations of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), KHNP experts will be required to pass regulatory exams to be licensed to operate and manage APR-1400 technology in the UAE.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC CEO, said, “ENEC continues to progress construction to the highest international standards of safety, quality and excellence. The OSSA provides the framework for KHNP to share its knowledge that it has accumulated throughout its 40 years of experience in operating 25 nuclear power plants in South Korea, with ENEC.” The construction of the Barakah NPP commenced in 2012, and is scheduled for completion in 2020.