ENEC completes containment liner plate installation for UAE’s first nuclear energy plant

Abu Dhabi: The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) on Wednesday announced the completion of the fabrication and installation of the Containment Liner Plate (CLP) in the Reactor Containment Building for Barakah unit 1.

The 2,000 tonne cylindrical structure, which measures nearly 60 metres in height and 45 metres in diameter, was constructed and installed in 19 stages over the past nine months. The process involved more than 420,000 man-hours and is just one aspect of the complex construction programme underway at Barakah; the site of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant. Once the dome of the Reactor Containment Building (RCB) is completed, the height of the structure will measure more than 80 metres in height.

The CLP is one of multiple defence-in-depth barriers that ensure the safety and security of nuclear energy plants. This cylindrical steel shell forms the inner wall, ceiling, and floor of the RCB, where the nuclear reactor is situated.

“We are pleased with the safe and successful installation of this major structure. The team has carried out the entire process prioritising safety and quality at all times,” said Mohammad Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC.

“This is a significant milestone in the construction programme to safely deliver unit 1 by 2017. The hard work continues as we focus on our next major milestone for unit 1, which is the reactor vessel setting. We aim to complete this by Q2 next year,” Al Hammadi added.

Over the next four months, the team will continue to cover the CLP in concrete to complete the containment structure for the reactor building. A special polar crane, which is used to install the reactor vessel and steam generators as well as other large equipment, will then be installed.