FANR Board Assesses Regulatory Oversight At Barakah Nuclear Power Plant

The Board of Management of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) recently convened to review the operational status of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP). The meeting focused on FANR’s regulatory oversight activities, which are part of the Annual Inspection Plan for 2024. These activities ensure that Nawah Energy Company, the operator of BNPP, complies with all regulatory requirements.

Updates were provided on maintenance and refuelling outage plans for units 1, 2, and 3, scheduled for this year and next year. The board also discussed the progress of various tests conducted at unit 4 in preparation for its commercial operation, expected later this year.

Board members approved a revised Regulation on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material and Nuclear Facilities and Cyber Security (FANR-REG-08). This will be issued as ‘Version 2’ of FANR-REG-08. The regulation outlines requirements for physical protection and cyber security for nuclear facilities and the transport of nuclear material within the UAE. It also includes requirements for those planning to develop or deploy advanced nuclear technologies in the UAE.

The Board of Management also approved several agreements with international stakeholders. One such agreement is an implementing arrangement with the Korea Institute of Nuclear Safety. This arrangement focuses on technical information exchange and cooperation in nuclear safety and power plant operations oversight.

Additionally, a memorandum of understanding was approved with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories Ltd. This agreement covers dosimetry and environmental monitoring. Another agreement was made with the Nuclear Energy Agency of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development. This agreement pertains to the Operational Experience, Degradation, and Ageing Programme (CODAP), phase 5 (2024-2026), covering research and development matters in nuclear safety.

These agreements aim to enhance cooperation and information exchange in nuclear safety, dosimetry, environmental monitoring, and operational experience. They reflect FANR's commitment to maintaining high standards in nuclear regulation and safety.

The meeting underscored FANR's ongoing efforts to ensure that BNPP operates safely and efficiently while complying with all regulatory requirements. The approval of these agreements marks a significant step towards strengthening international collaboration in nuclear safety.

With inputs from WAM