An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team commended the United Arab Emirates' handling of a drone strike at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, Emirates News Agency reported, after off-site power failed at one unit.
The May 17 strike caused a fire in an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. Unit 3 lost off-site power and temporarily relied on emergency diesel generators, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi told the U.N. Security Council on May 19. He said the outside supply had been restored, radiation levels remained normal and no injuries were reported.
Grossi warned that disabling a nuclear plant's power lines could increase the risk of a reactor core melting.
Emirates News Agency reported that the UAE requested the advisory review, which ran from Oct. 12-20. IAEA Deputy Director General Karine Herviou told the agency that the plant operator managed the incident effectively and that the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) oversaw the response.
The IAEA had previously reviewed emergency preparedness in the UAE. A 2019 follow-up review, conducted after a 2015 mission, found progress and identified areas for further improvement.
The October team called for stronger emergency arrangements and closer coordination among bodies responsible for nuclear safety and security. It also recommended making critical infrastructure more resilient, Emirates News Agency reported.
