THE Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has completed another milestone in the development of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme by installing one of the largest condensers in the Middle East region for the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant.

The condenser plays an important role in the generation of electricity, and is a critical component used in all types of power plants. It is made up of three sections connected by equalising ducts, with each section measuring 26 m in length and weighing 700,000 kg.

The condenser sections were fabricated in South Korea and shipped to Barakah, in Abu Dhabi’s Western Region where the UAE’s first nuclear power plant site is located. The condenser welding was completed in the Unit One Reactor containment building – a process which took more than seven months to complete.

By 2020, the UAE will have four nuclear plants in commercial operation.