The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) said it has confirmed its continued cooperation with the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), to ensure the preservation of the environment and biological diversity in the emirate after Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant has been safely and successfully connected to the UAE transmission grid.
The Barakah plant, the first operating nuclear energy facility in the Arab world, has four units, which when fully operational will generate up to 25 per cent of the UAE’s electricity, while preventing the release of 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions per annum which is equal to removing 3.2 million cars off the roads each year.
As part of the collaborative efforts between EAD and ENEC, both entities have invested significant time and resources into identifying initiatives to protect the natural coastal environment surrounding the Barakah plant.
As a result, a coral reef preservation project has been successfully implemented.
Around 7,300 coral reef settlements were successfully rehomed, conserving marine life, while 22,300 coral reefs have been regrown in a location 17 kilometres north of the Barakah plant. In addition, 6,000 square metres of an artificial coral reef were also completed.
Enec CEO Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi said: "Since the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant commenced in 2012, we have been keen to protect the environment surrounding the plant by adopting best practices for our environmental protection standards, applying international measures to preserve natural habitats, and conserve energy and water resources."
"These actions will help to ensure that the operation of our plant meets the highest environmental sustainability standards throughout the development and operation of the plant," he stated.
"This work is derived from the framework of the Environment and Sustainability Charter of the Barakah plant site, which was signed by ENEC alongside its prime contractor and Joint Venture partner, the Korea Electric Power Corporation," Al Hammadi added.
EAD Secretary-General Dr Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri said: "This achievement is a culmination of twelve years of co-operation and intensive work between our organisations. It is also a result of the concerted efforts made by EAD and various Abu Dhabi-based government organisations and federal authorities to achieve the vision of the UAE Government and leadership."
