UAE presents report on spent nuclear fuel

The UAE has presented its Fourth National Report on Compliance with the Obligations of the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

The UAE is participating as a Contracting Party to the Joint Convention, which is holding its seventh review meeting at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) headquarters in Vienna, Austria.

The National Report describes the legislative and regulatory measures taken by the UAE to meet its obligations in relation to that Joint Convention.  

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) issued and drafted six regulations containing requirements on managing radioactive waste such as "Radiation Protection and Predisposal Radioactive Waste Management in Nuclear Facilities", and "Decommissioning of Facilities", and is working on developing another regulation on "Decommissioning Trust Fund". It reflects the UAE's commitment to the 2008 Nuclear Policy, where it has plans to develop an integrated waste management system that reflects the highest standards of international practices. 

The report also addressed options in regards to spent fuel and radioactive waste management. Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its affiliates have taken measures such as the design of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant providing sufficient capacity to store spent fuel in a pool made for every unit. In addition, the UAE is working on long-term spent fuel management options for different scenarios.  

The delegation also presented measures taken to address non-nuclear radioactive waste produced from medical and industrial facilities across the UAE. Currently, there are over 2,000 licensees using regulated material, and radioactive sources in the UAE are used for medical, industrial, and educational sectors as well as the oil and gas industry.  

Moreover, the UAE delegation presented the efforts of national stakeholders to build Emirati capabilities in the nuclear sector in collaboration with several UAE educational and training institutions. Previously, intensive training programmes were put in place to qualify and build the experience of the knowledge-intensive nuclear sector. FANR also certified around 157 Reactor Operator/Senor Reactor Operators who are qualified to operate the nuclear power plan.  

"The UAE is committed from day one of embarking its Nuclear Energy Programme to adopt the highest standards of safety and meet international obligations," said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, who delivered the UAE's presentation.

"The UAE's fourth National Report to the Joint Convention is a collective effort of our national stakeholders to share with the public and international community our plans to manage spent fuel and radioactive waste and ensure the safety of the people and the environment."  

The UAE's delegation is led by Ambassador Al Kaabi to the IAEA as well as representatives of national nuclear stakeholders, including Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and Nawah Energy Company (NAWAH).  

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