Abu Dhabi: The UAE will select a uranium supplier in the first half of next year for its $20 billion (Dh73.4 billion) nuclear energy programme, Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE's Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Eenrgy Agency, said in the capital Tuesday.
"Our nuclear policy states that we would favour sending back the spent fuel to the country that supplied it," Al Kaabi said at a conference titled Global Energy Markets: Changes in the Strategic Landscape, organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).
"If that is not feasible, we would consider storing it in the UAE, in underground storage, for example," he added.
"Nuclear safety will be the core of our plans and fundamental to the success and the long-term stability of the UAE programme," said Al Kaabi, adding the UAE government has adopted a clear policy and strategies to develop a peaceful nuclear energy programme to fulfil its growing electricity demand.
"The policy is based on a transparent approach and the commitments to the highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation. Much progress has been achieved since the enacting of the policy in 2008. Today, we have a fully established independent nuclear safety regulatory, an operator company, and internationally praised nuclear infrastructure to support the development of the programme in accordance with international best practices," said Al Kaabi.
He said the public acceptance of nuclear power in the UAE continues to be ‘very positive.' Around 86 per cent of the UAE population is in favour of nuclear power in general, said Al Kaabi, citing a recent survey that was conducted after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in Japan.
The UAE through the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has selected a preferred site for construction of the first nuclear power plant, and has chosen a prime contractor to design, construct, and jointly operate future nuclear plants, said Al Kaabi.
The design is based on third-generation reactor technology, which benefits from numerous safety features, and is better prepared to withstand a serious accident, compared to older designs, he added.
Focus on safety
Al Kaabi said looking at the global trends of nuclear energy after Fukushima, it is quite clear that there will be no radical change in projected nuclear power use, in general, because of the Fukushima accident, but there will be greater focus on safety issues.
"Nuclear power will continue to be recognised as providing clean and reliable electricity which complements other energy sources. The global nuclear trend today is focusing more on how to improve safety and prevent any future accidents," he added.
Al Kaabi said the rationale for the use of nuclear power has not changed much and it's still considered an ‘efficient, environmentally and economically competitive source of electricity.'
