September-October 2018 NPJ

18 NuclearPlantJournal.com Nuclear Plant Journal, September-October 2018 constantly training to be able to safely operate our units in Barakah. One example is the Energy Pioneers program, which has played an important role in developing talented Emirati professionals and set the foundation for the UAE nuclear leadership required to manage a peaceful nuclear energy program to the highest standards of nuclear operations. UAE Nationals have a unique opportunity to gain specialized expertise and practical experience to pursue a range of careers across the country’s emerging nuclear energy industry. They receive training on the highest international standards from the industry’s leading global experts so that they can support the operation of the region’s first nuclear energy plant. More than 500 UAE Nationals have graduated from the Energy Pioneers program, while about 150 students are currently studying. At Nawah, we have also been focusing on training the reactor operators and senior reactor operators who will be responsible for safely and reliably operating the four units at Barakah. By utilizing the two full- scope simulators we have at Barakah, as well as several limited-scope ones, they are continuously training and practicing to meet the requirements of the UAE’s nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR). They have also had the unique opportunity to take part in the testing of the plant, including the Hot Functional Test of both Unit 1 and Unit 2. During these tests, the operators can control certain systems, put the turbine into operation, and practice and validate their operating procedures. We have a robust training system to ensure the availability of qualified and experienced personnel who will drive the success and long-term sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. 4. What are your goals for the end of 2018? As a nuclear operator, our number one priority today, and for the entire lifespan of the program, is safety and the quality- driven operation of the Barakah Plant. Our work between now and the end of the year is primarily focused on operational readiness. Earlier this year, we completed a comprehensive review and updated the schedule for starting up the first reactor at Barakah. We took this decision to ensure that our program continues to write a global standard for nuclear operations and are committed to operating Unit 1, as well as the three reactors to follow, to the highest standards of quality and safety. With that goal in mind, we are focused on completing operational readiness activities and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals so that we are ready to begin operations between late 2019 and early 2020. 5. Have any international nuclear energy organizations completed pre- operational reviews? What can you tell us about them? We are continuously engaged with international nuclear energy organizations, such as IAEA and WANO, and they provide us with valuable insights as we prepare for operations. These international nuclear interactions are a central pillar of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. Back in 2007, the UAE published six commitments that guide the work of all the entities that regulate, build and operate the program. Among these commitments are those related to operational transparency and the requirement to work with the IAEA to conform to its standards. To illustrate this point, the IAEA completed an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) Phase 3 mission to the UAE, the first of its kind ever conducted. It reviewed the status of 19 nuclear infrastructure issues using IAEA guidelines and regulations. While the report from this mission is still being finalized, the team of experts from several countries identified good practices and made recommendations and suggestions that would benefit the program. Those good practices focused on management and human resource development, nuclear safety, safeguards and safety-security interface. Recommendations for further actions focus on finalizing all necessary arrangements to reach operational readiness, approving and implementing all appropriate arrangements for radioactive waste management and implementing arrangements to ensure the long-term sustainability of the UAE Program. Also, last year the IAEA conducted a Pre-Operational Safety Review Team (Pre-OSART) mission with the goal of assessing the operational safety of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant against the IAEA’s safety standards and proposing recommendations for improvement, where appropriate. During that mission, the team identified several good practices to share with the nuclear energy industry more broadly. Those practices include a leadership development program that ensures the staff’s multicultural and multinational nature is maintained and leveraged; the development of the UAE National Qualification Authority for nuclear positions; good relationships with off-site organizations that allow for rapid actions should an event occur at the Barakah Plant; and main control room simulators that are designed to high standards and implemented cost effectively to meet demanding plant training schedules. The team also observed that the Barakah Plant has developed a Foreign Material Exclusion (FME) program, taking into consideration the requirements of the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations, WANO and IAEA, as well as industry best practices. The team also noted an additional good performance concerning radiation protection instrumentation and facilities. A well-equipped radiochemistry laboratory has been established with sufficient equipment, uninterruptable power supplies, automatic voltage regulation and permanent air conditioning. An excellent facility to carry out whole body monitoring is also provided. The plant has a robust system to monitor external radiation exposure using electronic dose meters and thermo-luminescent dose meters. We are proud that the Pre- OSART recognized these practices and are working to implement their recommendations on identified areas for improvement as we prepare for operations. Those recommendations cover areas such as ensuring the timely development, validation and approval of a comprehensive surveillance program and implementation procedures, and enhancing configuration control over design changes to ensure they are reflected in operations and maintenance procedures and training. Engaging with experts such as those on the Pre-OSART and INIR missions Global Expertise... ( Continued from page 17)