September-October 2018 NPJ

Global Expertise and Local Talent By Mark Reddemann, Nawah Energy Company, United Arab Emirates. Mark Reddemann With over 40 years of experience in the international nuclear industry, Mark Reddemann was appointed Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nawah Energy Company in April 2018. In this role, Mr. Reddemann is leading Nawah as the world’s newest nuclear operating company in adherence to the highest standards of quality and safety. Mr. Reddemann served on the New Brunswick Power Board of Directors, the Tri-City Development Council Board, the Association of Washington Business Executive Committee and Board of Directors as well as the Nuclear Energy Institute Executive Committee and Board of Directors. Mr. Reddemann holds a bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics, Engineering and Physics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and is a graduate of the Minnesota Management Institute at the University of Minnesota‘s Curtis L. Carlson School of Management. Responses to questions by Newal Agnihotri, Editor of Nuclear Plant Journal. Developing a New Model for Nuclear Power Operations 1. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the lead “newcomer country” to add nuclear power to its electricity generation. How is the UAE aiming to set an example for other countries planning to add nuclear energy to their portfolios? While a newcomer to the international nuclear industry, the UAE’s approach to the construction of the four units at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Abu Dhabi has set a new standard for nuclear new builds. Now, as we prepare for the safety and quality led start-up of Unit 1, we aim to follow this by achieving a new global standard in nuclear operations. As the UAE works to set this standard for other countries consider- ing such programs, three things stand out to me. First is the fact that the Barakah project em- ploys about 2,700 people and more than 50 percent are UAE Nationals. They work along- side colleagues who originate from more than 40 countries. These international experts bring with them an impressive range of nuclear en- ergy expertise that, when combined with the local expertise of our UAE Nationals, creates a unique, highly skilled multicul- tural environment. That leads me to my second key observation. That’s the effort – from the very beginning and that continues today – to learn from international operating experience and industry experts, and to set the UAE standard for safe and quality- driven nuclear operations. To achieve this, the government has worked closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to adopt and to implement proven practices and guidelines. In addition, we continue to work closely with the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) to benefit from valuable operating expertise and peer reviews to benchmark our operational readiness; we have and will continue to seek to enhance our work based on these practices. Finally, the systematic and proactive public engagement that has been a hallmark of the program provides another example for others to follow. As we prepare for operation, we are sharing information with the UAE’s residents to help them understand how a nuclear energy plant works and the important benefits the UAE Program brings to the Nation. This continued engagement, which has been ongoing for a number of years, is a significant reason as to why the UAE Program continues to enjoy high levels of support today. 2. What are the plans for upgrading the UAE’s electricity grid to handle the power generation from the four APR1400 reactors at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant? One of the foundations of the success of the Barakah project has been its ability to create a project management culture where energy stakeholders and government authorities work together to deliver the infrastructure required for a project of this scale. Delivering four APR1400 units in Barakah requires making some upgrades to the grid. In this sense, I am proud of the work that our teams continue to deliver in working with energy authorities such as the Abu Dhabi Transmission & Despatch Company (TRANSCO) to address specific upgrade activities. This culture of teamwork will continue once our plant becomes operational and we look forward to the close collaboration with our partners and stakeholders. 3. How do you plan to keep the plant staffed with experienced management, technical and operational personnel? Since the very beginning of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, the workforce that will be responsible for operating the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has been under development and (Continued on page 18) Nuclear Plant Journal, September-October 2018 NuclearPlantJournal.com 17