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The latest developments of the UAE’s peaceful civil nuclear energy program were presented to the residents of Dubai last night at Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation’s (ENEC) first public forum in the city.
The forum, which was hosted in collaboration with the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), was part of an ongoing series of community meetings which aim to increase the awareness and understanding of the UAE’s nuclear energy program.
The residents of Dubai had the opportunity to learn more about the nation’s program and hear about the latest developments at Barakah, in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, where the UAE’s first nuclear energy plant is currently under construction.
In attendance at the forum were HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer , Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD&CEO of DEWA and ENEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Al Hammadi.
“I congratulate the efforts undertaken by ENEC to secure clean, safe, efficient and reliable energy for the UAE,” said Mr Al Tayer. “I also commend them for their efforts and programs in the preparation and training of local talent to manage the new peaceful nuclear programme in the UAE, as well as ensuring the highest levels of safety and security.”
“I am convinced that this peaceful nuclear programme will shift the energy sector in the UAE to another level. We at the Supreme Council are keen to support this programme to achieve its objectives. The Council is committed to supporting national projects and initiatives that bring global best practices in various fields,” added Mr Al Tayer.
The forum saw ENEC highlight the wider implications of the UAE’s nuclear energy program and experienced nuclear engineers also gave an overview of how nuclear energy works, providing insight and answering questions about a wide range of topics including uranium, radiation, the efficiency of nuclear energy, safety and nuclear energy’s impact on the environment.
“The UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program is moving ahead on schedule,” said Mr. Al Hammadi, who also addressed over 200 residents of the Western Region earlier this week. “It’s important all residents of the UAE understand the role of nuclear energy as a safe, clean, reliable and efficient source of electricity that will help to power the UAE’s rapid economic growth.”
“This was our first opportunity to speak with the people of Dubai and we were very encouraged by the level of interest and the depth of discussion. It’s clear that the public is gaining a better understanding of how nuclear energy will play an important part in the UAE’s future energy mix,” added Mr Al Hammadi.
The survey findings from independent global research company TNS were also discussed following its latest study into the perception and attitudes of nuclear energy among the UAE public. The results of the study, which were announced earlier this week, show 82 percent of respondents supporting the country’s peaceful nuclear energy program, up from 66 percent just one year ago.
This week’s forums have seen residents asking a variety of questions about the safety and security of the power plants in Barakah, and many have been seeking a better understanding of what opportunities exist for Emiratis interested in a career in the nuclear energy industry.
ENEC offers a series of scholarships through its Energy Pioneers program, the Human Capacity Development program designed to attract talented students and professionals to the growing nuclear energy sector.
Career opportunities are open to both science students looking to kick-start their careers and to experienced professionals seeking a new challenge. ENEC expects to employ more than 2,000 employees by 2020, with a target of 60 per cent Emiratization.
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