Emirates approves new strategy to promote nuclear energy

The UAE is continuing to develop the country's energy sector with new measures aimed at expanding the industry. The FANR Board (the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulatory Affairs) has recently approved a new strategy to promote the country's nuclear industry. This will be implemented between 2023 and 2026, and is part of a new roadmap for regulating the nation's nuclear and radiological sector.  

The new programme will be based mainly on the supervision of the safety and security of the plant. Other objectives include waste management control, research and development projects, a new regulatory framework and new national and international strategic cooperation.  

Accordingly, the Board of Directors has approved a budget to be implemented in 2023. Through this, it plans to implement a series of strategic initiatives and projects under a new sector regulation and underpinned by Emirates' strategy and vision.  

The review of the progress achieved by the Barakah nuclear power plant was the basis for approving the new strategy. Board members detailed that Unit 1 is now in the refuelling and regular nuclear maintenance phase. It is reported that Unit 2 is currently being used to commercialise the energy obtained.  

In addition, it should be noted that the FANR is currently reviewing the latest application for an operating licence for Unit 3. The organisation expects the licence for Unit 3 to become operational to be issued this year. Nawah Energy Company, the company in charge of issuing its licence, must first meet all regulatory requirements in terms of safety, security and safeguarding.  

In furtherance of this strategy, the Board has agreed and signed a project agreement with the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre. This new partnership promises collaboration to develop education, capacity building and research and development. It is also intended to promote nuclear technology and to carry out warnings on how to protect against nuclear radiation. 

The Board has also sought to highlight the capabilities of young Emirati engineers, assuring them of their interest in developing the energy sector. The FANR wants to raise awareness of the importance of nuclear energy among young people through the creation of knowledge and studies on the subject. 

Unit 1 of the Barakah power plant has recently completed one year of operation. Since then, the plant has generated more than 10.5 TW/hour of clean and safe electricity. It has powered thousands of buildings in the UAE, allowing the national energy mix to become much more sustainable. Significantly, the plant has prevented the release of more than five million tonnes of carbon emissions, confirming that nuclear power is much cleaner than people think.  

"We are proud to celebrate the first anniversary since the start of commercial operations of Unit 1 of the Barakah plant in April 2021. The plant is a sustainable powerhouse for the nation, generating abundant emission-free electricity 24/7. Barakah is a major contributor to the UAE's Net Zero goal and we are rapidly decarbonising the power sector," said Mohamed Ibrahim al-Hammadi, managing director and CEO of ENEC. 

Efforts in Barakah have resulted in a change of vision in the country and a focus on renewable and sustainable energy. This year saw the installation of Unit 2, which has doubled the benefits the plant brings to the nation, and Unit 4 is nearing completion. Unit 4 is in the final stages of operation before construction is completed.