Nov 28, 2016The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) hosted a workshop last week in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to support the development of a research and development programme in the UAE that will ensure the long-term sustainability of the UAE nuclear power programme. The objective of the workshop was to gather the nuclear stakeholders and start collaboration in the field of research and development to support the safety and reliability of the civil nuclear power program in the UAE. Based on the contributions from the participating national and international experts, a Policy and Strategy will be established and submitted to the government
The Workshop on Infrastructure for Research and Development to Support the Nuclear Power Programme in the UAE discussed the status of the research and development programme in the UAE. The workshop also covered the IAEA guidance material and best practices on research and development.
More than 30 representatives from UAE organisations attended the workshop including the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
‘The Nuclear Law gives FANR its full mandate to regulate the nuclear sector and to carry out and support research and development. This workshop is considered to be a very significant step in establishing a solid and sustainable framework for nuclear research based on best international practices,” said Christer Viktorsson, FANR Director General. ‘Regulatory research and development is essential, not only for FANR, but for the nuclear industry as a whole. We will continue to develop national capabilities, keep up with technological advances and forecast emerging safety issues’.
During the workshop, FANR presented its progress in its legal and regulatory framework, international commitments and cooperation, radiation safety infrastructure, and the UAE’s nuclear power plant licensing status.