UAE, South Korea sign Operating Support Services pact for Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power (KHNP) have 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, according to WAM News Agency.

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, the Nawah Energy Company. 

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, and Seok Cho, CEO of KHNP, affirmed the joint commitment of both companies to the safe operations of the four APR-1400 nuclear units under construction at Barakah in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. 

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. 

Al Hammadi 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." 

"We are entering a crucial phase in the development of the Barakah plant, and we are looking forward to working with the experts from KHNP to ensure the operational readiness of the Barakah plant," continued Al Hammadi. 

"Over the next decade and beyond, the agreement will continue to build on and enhance the existing long-term nuclear energy partnership between the UAE and South Korea," he added.

Source: MENA