UAE closely watching Japan nuclear situation

Abu Dhabi: The UAE is watching closely as Japan faces serious situation at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant following the devastating earthquake and tsunami last Friday that has left hundreds dead and thousands missing.

The earthquake was the largest in Japan's recorded history, a country prone to frequent seismic activity, and the 7th largest earthquake ever to be recorded in the world.

According to Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA and a Purdue-trained nuclear engineer, it will be some time before authorities can draw any informed conclusions.

"Our thoughts are with the people of Japan as they deal with this immense humanitarian catastrophe," Al Kaabi said.

"Japanese authorities, according to what we know so far, are taking some important measures to ensure the safety of the public and reduce the escalation of the events. They have called upon the international nuclear energy community for help, as demonstrated by their request to the IAEA for support and accepting expert assistance offered by some countries."

"As the event is still developing, it will take some time before we understand this incident in enough detail to draw real conclusions. There is no doubt however, that there will be lessons learned from Japan that will enable the industry to improve the rigorous safety practices that are already in place around the world," he added.

Up to a quarter of the UAE's electricity could come from nuclear energy by 2020. The UAE's decision to pursue nuclear energy followed an extensive study that considered all possible alternatives.

The UAE has gained international support from government officials, non-proliferation advocates and energy experts worldwide, who have described the nation's approach as the gold standard for countries interested in exploring nuclear energy for the first time.

Ambassador Al Ka'abi has been heavily involved in the UAE's nuclear energy programme from the very beginning. He is also a board member of the UAE's nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), an independent federal agency charged with regulation and licensing of all nuclear energy activities in the UAE with public safety as its primary objective.

"Nuclear energy emerged as the right choice for the UAE to diversify its electricity supply. In making this choice UAE recognized the importance and responsibility of ensuring highest standards nuclear safety and protection of public as a fundament principle. We are developing a programme that is based on the best practices of the global nuclear energy sector, using proven technology that meets the highest international standards for safety and performance."

Four nuclear energy plants are planned for construction, with the first plant to be connected to the Abu Dhabi grid by 2017.

"Safety has been designed into every phase of our programme. It is an integral part of our approach, our culture and any reactor design we build," Al Ka'abi said.

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is the organization responsible for the design, construction and operation of the UAE's first nuclear energy plants. The company has selected the APR1400 – a third generation reactor design from South Korean company, KEPCO.

"The APR1400 nuclear power plant is proven technology with many advanced safety features. It is designed to withstand severe accidents and events; even those with a very low probability of occurrence. It has evolved from decades of global and Korean nuclear engineering and safe operating experience," Al Ka'abi said.

"With this technology, the UAE's reactors will boast some of the highest safety levels in the world today. Our requirements, including FANR regulations, dictate a comprehensive assessment of any proposed design before a construction license is issued. FANR regulations and requirements are based on the IAEA safety standards and on the cumulative experience and best practices of the industry.

"As is the case with all entities involved in the power sector in the UAE, benefiting from shared experiences and lessons learned from our global partners is part of our approach to ensure the highest standards of safety in our sector," he added.