Syed Al Hajjar (Abu Dhabi)
Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, Permanent Representative of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency, confirmed that the UAE has an inspiring success story for the countries of the region and the world with regard to developing a peaceful nuclear energy program, as the first and second units of the Barakah plant operate commercially and provide electricity around the clock, while the unit is subject to The third is for a series of tests in preparation for commercial operation soon, and it is expected that the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation will issue the operating license for the fourth unit later this year.
Al-Kaabi stressed, in statements to reporters, on the sidelines of his participation in the activities of the International Conference on Effective Regulatory Systems for the Nuclear and Radiation Sectors, which kicked off in Abu Dhabi yesterday and is organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency and hosted by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, that the UAE has provided a pioneering experience in diversifying the energy mix. , which contributes to reducing emissions and facing the challenges of climate change, explaining that the UAE’s hosting of the “COP 28” conference contributes to shedding light on the UAE’s experience in the field of clean energy, and the UAE’s program for peaceful nuclear energy.
The activities of the International Conference on Effective Regulatory Systems for the Nuclear and Radiation Sectors will last for 4 days, under the title “Preparing for the Future in Light of Current Changes”, with the participation of more than 580 participants from 95 countries, in addition to 4 international organizations.
The conference, which is one of the largest conferences held for regulators in the nuclear and radiation sectors, focuses on the role of the international regulatory community to ensure the effectiveness of regulatory systems, and discusses regulatory expertise and speed of response to new and emerging challenges, regulatory practices and innovation.
The event covers various topics, including countries’ experiences in controlling the nuclear and radiation sectors, and developing regulatory systems to be more flexible and ready to respond to the challenges facing the two sectors in the world. It will also address regulatory aspects related to innovation and emerging and new technologies, in addition to building trust between partners, developing future cadres and building capabilities. in the nuclear field.
The international conference is the sixth of its kind organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency and hosted by the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation in the UAE. The first conference was held in 2006 in Moscow, followed by Cape Town in 2009, Ottawa in 2013, Vienna in 2016 and The Hague in 2019.
future challenges
Al-Kaabi said, during his speech at the conference: Given the potential impacts on the nuclear sector such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, small modular reactors and nuclear fusion, these challenges require us to be prepared and anticipate the future to ensure that our regulatory infrastructure is efficient, effective and able to deal with them.
He added: The success of the UAE in developing the regulatory infrastructure for the nuclear sector is attributed to the close and long-term cooperation with national and international partners, especially our close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.
Al-Kaabi stressed that the IAEA’s support, since the beginning of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear program in 2008, was important in developing regulations, policies and standards, which contributed to the UAE being a role model for new nuclear countries.
The conference will include a competition for “Young Professionals in the Nuclear and Radiation Sectors”, where participants will present initiatives and projects that will improve the effectiveness of regulatory systems in both sectors and the ability to deal with challenges. There will also be a platform that includes the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the International Atomic Energy Agency, and an exhibition of countries’ experiences with regard to control.
Unit four
For his part, Christer Viktorsen, Director General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, said in statements yesterday that the application for licensing the fourth unit of the Barakah nuclear reactor is currently being reviewed and examined to ensure that all requirements are met, explaining that if all requirements are completed, the operating license will be granted before the end of the year. This will be followed by a trial period for fuel loading and test run.
He stressed the authority’s keenness to update the procedures and regulations in force to keep pace with the latest global developments.
Last September, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation announced the start of operation of the third station of the Barakah peaceful nuclear energy plants in the Al Dhafra region in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, by the company Nawah Energy Company, a subsidiary of the Corporation, which is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Barakah stations, while the fourth station has reached the final stages of completion. The construction works are ahead of completion, while the first and second stations continue to operate commercially and produce abundant and reliable quantities of environmentally friendly electricity around the clock.
Nuclear safety
Lady Evrard, Deputy Director General and Head of the Nuclear Safety and Security Department at the IAEA, said: The Sixth International Conference on Effective Regulatory Systems plays a major role in the field of nuclear and radiological safety and nuclear security, and it will help exchange regulatory experiences and disseminate knowledge, in addition to exchanging best practices, lessons learned and solutions. In support of the efforts of regulators and the international community to enhance nuclear safety and security.
She added: We work in a rapidly changing environment and in accordance with our mission as regulators and the IAEA, we must adapt our way of working to meet these new challenges, while maintaining nuclear safety and security at the highest possible levels.