RSK provides environmental audits for UAE's first nuclear power plant

Project summary

RSK is involved in a nuclear power plant project in Barakah, United Arab Emirates, producing biannual third party audit reports that ensure compliance of the station with environmental regulations.

The background

Nuclear power has long been considered one of the more sustainable options for producing energy. Its low carbon tendencies mean it provides a great alternative to other sources of energy and goes hand in hand with the response to climate change and greenhouse gas emissions.

In December 2009, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) contracted a coalition led by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to build the first nuclear power plant in the UAE. Barakah was chosen as the site to successively build four APR-1400 nuclear reactors.

RSK was hired by KEPCO, a Korean-led consortium, Korea’s main electricity company and Hyundai–Samsung to perform biannual third party environmental audits. These inspections would assess compliance with the construction elements of the project, as detailed by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD).
The challenges
Non-conformance

During previous internal and external audit responses, some non-conformance was identified that could put the project at risk.

The solutions

RSK worked closely with the involved parties to assess the project and to ensure its compliance with regulations. First, all documentation was reviewed in order to ensure it fitted the project’s requirements. Then, on-site assessments were performed in which the compliance of environmental management implementation was verified. During these inspections, the closeout of the non-conformance that was raised previously was verified and confirmed.

RSK then worked to produce the biannual third party reports required by the EAD. These documents were ensured to be an impartial, independent, accurate and detailed record of the environmental performance of the project.

The impacts

The reactor of the first unit in the station started producing power in August 2020. By the end of 2022, three out of the four units will be producing energy, and once the fourth reactor is completed the entire plant will produce 5380 MW. This is intended to supply up to 25% of UAE’s electricity needs.

This station is the first nuclear energy facility in the Arabian Peninsula and the first commercial power station in the region. Thanks to the efficiency and hard work of the RSK team, the programme of work was completed over 19 months without delay and on budget.