Oct 24, 2019
By Christer
Viktorsson
Director
General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)
UAE Nuclear Regulatory Approach, a
role model for highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation
Today, there are around 440 operational nuclear power
reactors in 30 countries, and 60 are under construction in 15 countries. Countries introducing nuclear power for the
first time, called “newcomers”, face a number of similar key challenges in
infrastructure development: completing a national strategy for the programme,
developing legal framework and an independent nuclear regulatory body, establishing
a competent operator and building a skilled workforce.
Embarking on a nuclear energy programme is a serious
undertaking that requires political will, long-term commitment, financial
resources, as well as the implicit responsibility to ensure that the necessary
infrastructure is in place. It is imperative that the development of the legal,
regulatory and support infrastructure keeps pace with the construction of the
power plant itself in order for the programme to proceed in a safe, secure and
sustainable way.
In 2009, the UAE Government took a decision to launch a
peaceful nuclear energy programme to meet electricity needs. Nuclear power is
expected to contribute up to 25% of the UAE’s peak electricity demand by 2020. It
launched its policy on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful
Nuclear Energy in 2008, adopting principles of operational transparency and
highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation.
The UAE was the first newcomer country to start building a large
nuclear power plant in three decades, when it started constructing the Barakah
plant in 2012. Despite the fact that the UAE is a newcomer to the nuclear
industry, it has set a role model globally by achieving in a record time requirements
needed to ensure its nuclear infrastructure support the programme through the
highest levels on nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. Also, the
country builds at the same time its national capacity for a sustainable operation.
The UAE Nuclear Energy Programme is a major achievement for
the country’s people and the region. The establishment in 2009 by the UAE
government of the Nuclear Law, and the independent nuclear regulator—the
Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) - to oversee nuclear safety,
security and its sole peaceful uses was a clear sign of adherence to the policy
principles of 2008. The government also set up the operator of Barakah Nuclear
Power Plant by establishing the Emirates Nuclear Energy Cooperation-ENEC in
late 2009.
During the initial phase of the nuclear programme, FANR
developed the necessary legally binding requirements for the safe siting,
construction and design of the reactors to be built as well as for the needed
security arrangements to be applied. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident in
2011 further demonstrated the importance of strict safety requirement, and FANR
consequently evaluated the construction based on further innovative design
enhancements to address extreme conditions that might occur. This included
enhancement in the areas of environmental effects on the reactors, as well as
additional cooling and power supply measures.
In parallel, the government signed international agreements
and conventions supporting the programme developments. Of particular importance
to FANR are the agreements with the country of origin regulatory bodies which
allowed FANR to leverage the work of the Korean regulators to license the
reference plant in Korea, the Shin Kori 3 and 4 reactors. Also, the support of
the IAEA was instrumental in ensuring that the FANR approach to regulation was
in agreement with best international practice.
The UAE ratified a number of international instruments under
FANR mandate: the Additional Protocol to the Safeguards Agreement, the
Conventions on Physical Protection and its Amendment, the Nuclear Safety
Convention as well as the Joint Convention on Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management
reflecting the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme.
Not only the safe operation of the reactors is important,
also FANR is ensuring that radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel are being
dealt with safely from day one of operation and during all phases including
decommissioning. Moreover, the long-term aspects are being considered by developing
a policy on the long-term management and disposal of spent nuclear fuel and
radioactive waste.
Public acceptance and stakeholder support are key factors in
the UAE nuclear programme. So for example, regulations developed or revised by
FANR are being published on the authority’s website for stakeholder and public
comments. Public perception of benefits and risks associated with nuclear power
are indispensable for the successful deployment of a nuclear programme. Public
awareness helps build and maintain trust in regulatory competence and
efficiency. Transparent and participative processes at all stages of a nuclear
power programme are crucial for fair and consistent decision-making, as well as
for harnessing the full potential of the nuclear sector.
Building a sustainable national capacity is a challenge for
any country using nuclear power. In newcomer countries, nuclear projects
necessarily dictate a reliance on a foreign workforce and expertise,
particularly at the beginning of a project. To address the challenge of
ensuring the availability of sufficient manpower throughout all phases of the
nuclear programme, FANR, inspired by the UAE leadership philosophy, developed a
robust human resources strategy that identifies the scale and type of expertise
needed. It is an integrated approach that includes scholarships and on-the-job
training and mentoring. Youth empowerment and capacity building are key priorities
in our policy.
Nuclear Power is an integral part of the UAE Energy Plan for
the future. It is our mandate to make sure it is used safely and securely
ensuring its benefits for future generations to come.