The National Emergency Crisis Management Authority (NECMA) and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) today signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The MoU consolidates the relationship between the two entities and will facilitate the development of off-site emergency response plans for the Barakah nuclear power plant.

Signed by Mohamed Khalfan Matar Al Romaithi, General Manager of NECMA and Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer at ENEC, the MoU establishes the specific responsibilities of each organisation in off-site emergency preparedness planning. The signing ceremony was attended by Shahwan Suroor Al-Dhaheri, Deputy General Manager of National Emergency Crisis Management Authority and a number of managers representing the authority’s departments. It was also attended by Ahmed Al Mazrouei, Deputy Chief Nuclear Officer at ENEC and Fahad Al Qahtani, Director of External Affairs & Communications at ENEC.

Mohamed Khalfan Matar Al Romaithi, General Manager of NECMA, commented: “The Memorandum of Understanding is just one feature which will help to ensure that the Barakah nuclear power plant adheres to the highest standards in safety. We look forward to working very closely with ENEC over the coming months and years.” Rumaithi said that the signing of the agreement comes within the framework of the keenness of both sides to implement the plan and strategic goals to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and in support of the joint efforts between all ministries and federal bodies and institutions.

Established in 2007, NCEMA is responsible for managing local and national crises, emergencies and disasters by coordinating all efforts by relevant parties. A key objective of this MoU is the safety and protection of the local population, environment and property.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer at ENEC added: “Maintaining the highest international levels of safety and security is our top priority for the design, construction and operation of the plant in Barakah. That means being prepared for every possible scenario. Planning for emergencies is just one of the ways in which we ensure that the UAE’s nuclear power program is among the safest in the world.”

The site in Barakah, which is located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, was selected based on a variety critical factors, including seismic history and the environmental conditions of the site. The site is also located away from the UAE’s marine protected areas.

Al Hammadi continued: “Our program also continues to receive the approval of the international nuclear community. With the help and cooperation of the National Emergency Crisis Management Authority we believe we will continue to merit this confidence.”

In July 2012, ENEC officially commenced the construction of the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant, by pouring the first nuclear safety concrete for Barakah Unit 1.

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