Each Emirate controls its own oil production and resource development. The UAE’s proven oil reserves were 97.8 billion barrels in 2017⁽³⁾. Abu Dhabi holds 94% of the UAE’s oil resources or about 92.2 billion barrels. Dubai contains an estimated 4 billion barrels, followed by Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, with 1.5 billion and 500 million barrels of oil, respectively.

The UAE is a net importer of natural gas, and gas exports are primarily to Japan, one of the world’s largest buyers of liquefied gas. 

Economic growth across the UAE has led to massive increases in the demand for electricity. Current estimates indicate that the domestic demand for power is growing by 9% annually. With limitations on how much and how fast conventional energy resources, like natural gas, can be brought to market, as well as concerns about climate change, in 2008, the UAE Government launched a study aimed at identifying alternative means for producing the power needed to fuel its economy.

As a result of this study, the UAE is pursuing a peaceful, civilian nuclear energy programme that upholds the highest standards of safety, security, non-proliferation and operational transparency. The programme can serve as a model for any country that wishes to develop a new peaceful nuclear energy programme.

The “Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy” was released in April 2008 and outlined a series of commitments, including the decision to forgo domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuels. Throughout the development of its nuclear energy programme, the UAE has worked closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Nuclear energy is also considered to be a critical driver for sustainable growth. Through the development of its peaceful nuclear energy programme, the UAE stands to gain from the considerable benefits this new energy source will bring: clean and abundant electricity to power new industries and provide energy security; direct economic growth from a new, high-technology industry; and the development of Emirati talent to ensure a highly skilled and indigenous workforce.⁽⁴⁾

In January 2017, the Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, unveiled the UAE Energy Strategy for the next three decades. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 aims to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix to 50%, thus saving AED 700 billion by 2050. It also seeks to increase consumption efficiency of individuals and corporate entities by 40%. The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 targets 44% solar energy; 38% gas; 12% clean coal; and 6% nuclear energy in the electricity mix. The strategy also aims to reduce electricity and water consumption by 40%.

The new energy strategy will be implemented in three phases. The first phase aims to accelerate efficient consumption of energy, as well as to diversify and secure it. The second phase will find new solutions that integrate with energy and transportation solutions. The third phase will focus on research and development, in addition to innovation and creativity to supply sustainable energy.

TABLE 1: ESTIMATED AVAILABLE ENERGY SOURCES

Reference: UAE Ministry of Energy, May 2019

TABLE 2: ENERGY STATISTICS

* Energy values are in Exajoules

Reference: UAE Ministry of Energy, April 2019

The electricity sector is controlled by each Emirate rather than at the central federal level (Figure 1).

Figure 1: UAE Electricity Grid

Source: Emirates Water and Electric Company (EWEC)

The Department of Energy – Abu Dhabi (DOE-AD) is responsible for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is responsible for Dubai, with the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) and the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) providing power to Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. The Department of Energy accounts for 53% of the federation’s total capacity, followed by DEWA with 29%, while SEWA and FEWA own 11% and 7%, respectively.

The power structure is different for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the four Northern Emirates. DEWA is the vertically integrated utility responsible for generation, transmission, system operations, and distribution in Dubai. Sharjah’s vertically integrated power sector is managed by the Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority. In the Northern Emirates, a federal-level utility manages the power. Abu Dhabi is the only Emirate that operates on a single buyer model. DOE-AD, a wholly government-owned entity, owns the entities responsible for procuring generation, transmission, system operations, and distribution in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai

DEWA was set up by a decree by the Ruler of Dubai in 1992. It is responsible for power and water generation, transmission, distribution and supply in the Emirate of Dubai. Figure 2 shows Dubai’s power and water sector structure and institutional framework.

FIG. 2. Power and water sector structure and institutional framework in Dubai.

The Dubai Supreme Council for Energy (DSCE) is responsible for developing policies and strategic planning for the sector. Aspects of strategic planning include securing supply, demand management, and energy efficiency. It was set up in 2009 by a decree of the Ruler of Dubai. Members include DEWA, Dubai Aluminum Company Ltd. (DUBAL), Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC), Dubai Supply Authority (DUSUP), Dubai Petroleum Corp., Dubai Nuclear Energy Committee (DNEC), and Dubai Municipality.

Production and Delivery

Most of Dubai’s power generation is fueled by gas. DEWA owns and operates a generation fleet with 10,700 MW capacity, comprising largely both closed and open-cycle gas turbines, and a 413 MW solar park. DEWA buys fuel under a long-term contract with Dolphin Energy Limited, from Abu Dhabi (Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, ADNOC), and through an LNG import terminal. DEWA owns, operates, and maintains a transmission and distribution network of 34,910 km. It has a water generation fleet, with 470 MIGD capacity, comprising 445 MSF and 25 MIGD RO desalination plants. It plans to add about 280 MIGD RO between 2020 and 2030. DEWA supplies power and water to consumers and charges a tariff for its services.

Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi’s single buyer model was set up in 1998 by a decree of the Ruler of Abu Dhabi. The 1998 law established separate but wholly government-owned entities for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply functions. The law provided mechanisms for privatization of these entities. These entities have not been privatized yet; however, there is substantial private investment in new generation through independent power producers (IPPs) and independent water and power producers (IWPPs). In 2018, Abu the Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and the Abu Dhabi Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) were merged into a single entity called the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy (DOE-AD). Figure 3 shows Abu Dhabi’s power and water sector structure and institutional framework.

FIG. 3. Power and water sector structure and institutional framework in Abu Dhabi.

Regulation

As of today, the DOE-AD is responsible for licenses for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. The DOE-AD sets a maximum allowed revenue for the network businesses. This is based on a cost build-up: the return on their asset base, depreciation and operating expenses. This determines a revenue that the networks should be able to earn.

Production and Delivery

Emirates Electricity and Water Company (EWEC) is the newly formed single buyer with the responsibility to procure sufficient power generation capacity for Abu Dhabi and the four Northern Emirates of Ajman, Fujairah, Ras al Khaimah and Umm al Quain. EWEC contracts with IPPs or IWPPs to supply energy and water. Most of the power generation in Abu Dhabi is fueled by gas. EWEC buys gas from Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Dolphin Energy Limited (DEL) under a long-term contract.

Abu Dhabi Transmission and Dispatch Company (TRANSCO) is responsible for owning, operating, planning, and managing Abu Dhabi’s 7,745 km transmission network. TRANSCO is 100 percent owned by DOE-AD. TRANSCO also dispatches power from the IPPs or IWPPs as per the Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) signed between these entities and EWEC.

TRANSCO also owns and operates transmission lines and associated sub-stations in Sharjah and the Northern Emirates. It is connected to the northern system of the Gulf Cooperation Council through a double-circuit 400 kV interconnector between Al Silaa in the UAE and Salwa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The TRANSCO network is also connected with Oman via a 200 kV interconnection capable of transmitting 400 MW.

The Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC) and the Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) are two distribution companies that supply power and water to final consumers in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain (i.e. household and commercial consumers supplied at distribution level). Major industries supplied at transmission level are also treated as being supplied by one of the two distribution companies.

AADC and ADDC own and operate their respective distribution networks and are owned by DOE-AD. AADC and ADDC buy power from EWEC at the bulk supply tariff (BST) determined by EWEC. Power drawn by distribution companies is metered at transmission supply points.

Sharjah

Sharjah’s power and water market are vertically integrated. The Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority (SEWA) is the vertically integrated utility responsible for generation, transmission, distribution, and supply. It was set up by an Emirati decree of 2014. The diagram below (Fig. 4) shows Sharjah’s power sector structure and institutional framework.

FIG. 4. Power sector structure and institutional framework in Sharjah.

The 2014 law empowers SEWA to formulate policies and propose regulations and tariffs for approval by the Executive Council of the Sharjah Emirate.

Most of Sharjah’s power generation comes from gas-fired plants. Sharjah owns a generation fleet with installed capacity 2,597 MW (2017). SEWA buys gas from Dolphin Energy Limited (DEL) under a contract. It also buys gas from the Sharjah National Oil Company (SNOC), a domestic producer in the UAE.

Sharjah’s existing domestic water supply capacity, about 79 MIGD in 2017, comes from desalination (70 MIGD)—RO (25), MSF (23), MED (22) — and well fields (7 MIGD).

The rest of Sharjah’s power and water needs are met through imports from Abu Dhabi. Since 2014, SEWA has been importing 700MW under letter agreements with DOE-AD. The arrangements provide for an additional 300 MW supply over and above the 700 MW limit. Abu Dhabi also supplies Sharjah 17 MIGD of water.

SEWA owns and operates 589 km of the total transmission network in Sharjah, comprising 220 kV and 132 kV lines and sub-stations. TRANSCO owns the rest of the network—specifically the 400 kV lines and sub-stations. SEWA connects to TRANSCO’s network at specified connection points.

SEWA is responsible for distribution and supply to all consumers in Sharjah. It charges a tariff for its services. These tariffs are subject to the Sharjah Emirate Executive Council’s approval.

Northern Emirates

The power and water sectors in the Northern Emirates region are vertically integrated. The Ministry of Electricity and Water set up the Federal Electricity and Water Authority (FEWA) under a federal law in 1999 to ensure that the power and water needs in the “Emirates under the Ministry’s domain” are met. In practice, FEWA is responsible for power supply in the Northern Emirates region comprising Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Figure 5 shows the power and water sector structure and the institutional framework in the Northern Emirates.

FIG. 5. Power and water sector structure and institutional framework in the Northern Emirates.

FEWA is empowered to make decisions on policies, tariffs, and regulation. FEWA is governed by a Board headed by the Federal Minister of Energy. However, in 2018, with the formation of EWEC, the planning of power and water infrastructure in the Northern Emirates shall be performed by EWEC. However, FEWA shall still be responsible for the distribution of power and water.

The grids of the four utilities in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah and the Northern Emirates are connected through the Emirates National Grid (ENG), which amalgamates the generation, transmission and distribution networks of the seven Emirates into a single national grid. The ENG grid is also connected to the Gulf Cooperation Council Interconnector via the TRANSCO network.

Table 3 shows installed capacity, electricity production and consumption in the UAE, and Table 4 contains energy related ratios.

Table 3: ELECTRICITY PRODUCTION, CONSUMPTION AND CAPACITY

Table 4: ENERGY RELATED RATIOS

Reference: UAE Ministry of Energy, May 2019

The decision to develop a peaceful civilian nuclear energy programme was based on an in-depth evaluation of the UAE’s future energy needs. An initial study determined that national annual peak demand for electricity was likely to rise to more than 40,000 megawatts by 2020, reflecting a cumulative annual growth rate of about 9%, starting from 2007. This was later revised to around 4% per annum. Even with these adjustments to account for the worldwide economic slowdown, the projected demand was beyond current capacity.

The UAE therefore conducted a thorough study in 2007 to assess the available technologies for electricity generation to meet this demand. The results were wide-ranging and determined that:

• Natural gas that could be made available to the nation's electricity sector would be insufficient to meet future demand. 

• The burning of liquids (crude oil and/or diesel) would be logistically viable but costly and environmentally harmful.

• Coal-fired power generation, while potentially cheaper, would be environmentally unacceptable and potentially vulnerable from a security of supply standpoint.

• And finally, deployment of renewable and other alternative energy supplies, while desirable, would be able to supply only 6 to 7% of the required electricity generation capacity by 2020.

As previously highlighted, in developing its nuclear energy policy, the UAE Government made its peaceful objectives unambiguous. A policy document entitled “Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy”, released in April 2008, outlined a series of strategies and commitments:

• The UAE is committed to complete operational transparency.

• The UAE is committed to pursuing the highest standards of non-proliferation.

• The UAE is committed to the highest standards of safety and security.

• The UAE will work directly with the IAEA and conform to its standards in evaluating and potentially establishing a peaceful nuclear energy programme.

• The UAE hopes to develop any peaceful domestic nuclear energy capability in partnership with the governments and firms of responsible nations, as well as with the assistance of appropriate expert organizations.

• The UAE will approach any peaceful domestic nuclear energy programme in a manner that best ensures long-term sustainability.

These policies are enshrined in a number of mechanisms, including the Federal Law by Decree No 6 of 2009, Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy?, otherwise known as the Nuclear Law.

The UAE Nuclear Law takes into account all obligations and commitments that stem from international instruments and obligations. The UAE views the application of a Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, bolstered by the IAEA Additional Protocol, as an important component of its model for the adoption of peaceful nuclear energy, and as being consistent with its commitment to complete operational transparency and the highest standards of non-proliferation.

The UAE signed a number of agreements for cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear energy with numerous countries, including France, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Other cooperation agreements have been concluded with Argentina, Australia, Canada, Japan and the Russian Federation.

The key entities implementing the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme include:

Table 5 shows the status of the UAE’s nuclear power plants.

Table 5: STATUS AND PERFORMANCE OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

As of May 2020, the Barakah NPP overall completion is 94% (Fig. 6). Individually, Unit 1 construction is now completed and the nuclear fuel is loaded inside the reactor; Unit 2 construction is completed; Unit 3 is at 92%; and Unit 4 is at 85%. On 1 August 2020, Unit 1 reached criticality and successfully started-up, symbolizing the first nuclear power plant to operate in the Arab world.

The UAE was entering the third year of its development of a nuclear power programme when the accident at Fukushima Daiichi occurred in 2011, and in response, the country’s own nuclear entities took swift action to implement additional measures in light of the lessons that initially arose from the accident. These early lessons learned were incorporated into the UAE’s Construction License Application (CLA) for Units 1 and 2, which had been submitted in December 2010. To ensure that the Units would be constructed under the most robust safety framework, a team of over 60 FANR staff members and three international consulting firms reviewed the license application, taking into consideration the changes that resulted from the Fukushima accident.

As a supplement to the CLA, ENEC conducted a comprehensive safety assessment (requested by FANR) entitled “Safety Assessment Report for Barakah Nuclear Power Plants (Lessons Learned) from the Fukushima Accident”, which was submitted to FANR in December 2011. Resulting from its assessment, ENEC identified specific features that could be modified in order to increase the robustness of the UAE’s Barakah site and overall programme. The UAE was focused on preventing or otherwise being able to effectively handle possible consequences of hazardous natural consequences, and thus targeted the robustness of the units, particularly mitigating station blackout and loss of ultimate heat sink events. Particular measures that were pinpointed in this regard include:

? Provision of a diverse protection system to initiate scram and auxiliary feedwater

? Diverse, accurate and redundant instrumentation

? Design of shutdown cooling taking into account two independent and redundant suction lines and interchangeability of the containment spray pumps

? Steam generator nozzle dam integrity

? Alternative methods for water addition and decay heat removal

? Alternate AC diesel generator

? Two turbine-driven auxiliary feed-water pumps

? Physical separation of redundant systems and components required for safe reactor shutdown and decay heat removal

? Provision of fire protection features such as fire detection, automatic and manual fire suppression and fixed fire barriers

2.2.3. Permanent Shutdown and Decommissioning Process

Not applicable.

On 27 December 2009, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) announced that it had selected a team led by Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) to design, build and help operate civil nuclear energy plants for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

Currently, construction of the Barakah NPP is well underway in Al Dhafra Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, approximately 53 km west-southwest of the city of Ruwais. Barakah comprises four APR-1400 units under simultaneous construction. Construction of Unit 1 commenced in 2012. Once all four units are operational, they will deliver up to a quarter of the UAE’s electricity needs from carbon-free nuclear energy.

In May 2017, ENEC and KEPCO completed the handover of Unit 1 systems to KHNP (Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power, a subsidiary of KEPCO) for commissioning, marking the end of the initial construction activities for the first of four units of the Barakah Project. Nawah received the Operating License for Unit 1 from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in February 2020 and fuel load was successfully completed in March 2020.

ENEC’s four identical reactors are based on KEPCO’s APR1400, a Generation III+1400 Megawatt nuclear energy reactor with evolutionary improvements in safety, performance, and environmental impact. A certificate for the standard design approval was issued for the APR1400 by the Korean regulatory authority, the Korean Institute of Nuclear Safety (KINS), in 2002. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) in the United States issued the design certification for the APR1400 in 2019.

The first of the APR1400 units are Shin-Kori Unit 3 (operational in December 2016) and Unit 4 (operational in August 2019) in the Republic of Korea, having obtained a Construction Permit KINS. The first UAE Nuclear Power Plant will be the fifth unit of the APR1400 reactor fleet in the world, and the Shin-Kori plants will serve as the “reference plants” for the UAE programme.

As a Generation III+ reactor, the APR1400 has been designed to meet heightened safety goals developed in accordance with the latest international safety standards. The APR1400 design incorporates more than 30 years of operational learning and features enhancements in safety, reliability and efficiency.

The contract with KEPCO calls for extensive training, human resource development and education programmes, as the UAE builds the capacity to eventually staff the majority of its nuclear energy programme with national talent, developing the industrial infrastructure.

The UAE’s policy surrounding front-end and back-end nuclear fuel cycle complies with the guidelines established by the IAEA. The UAE’s nuclear energy policy is committed to non-proliferation, and therefore outlines its decision to forgo domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel. The UAE furthermore capitalizes on adherence to nuclear safety and has become a member of relevant international conventions in this scope.

TABLE 7. PLANNED NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS

Given the growth in electricity demand projected for the United Arab Emirates, it is possible that additional units beyond the original four will be procured in the future as the UAE expands its fleet of civil nuclear power plants.

Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR)

On 24 September 2009, FANR was established, following the Federal Law by Decree No. 6 of 2009, Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy (the Nuclear Law). FANR is an independent federal regulatory authority, responsible for ensuring long-term safety, security and sustainability in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy and ionizing radiation in the UAE. It does so through establishing world-class regulations and supervising their implementation.

For that purpose, FANR is responsible for developing and enforcing binding safety standards and regulations, guidelines and safeguards that ensure nuclear safety, nuclear security, non-proliferation and radiation protection.

The key tasks of the Authority are:

1. Issuing regulations and guides for safety, security and safeguards

2. Issuing licenses to conduct regulated activities

3. Carrying out review and assessment of license applications against requirements for safety, security and safeguards

4. Carrying out inspections and enforcement

5. Establishing and maintaining the State system of accounting for and control of nuclear material

6. Establishing frameworks for physical protection, emergency preparedness and response for nuclear facilities and activities

7. Determining civil and criminal penalties for any violations of the Nuclear Law

8. Implementing capacity-building strategies to ensure sustainability

9. Carrying out appropriate oversight of the obligations under the international treaties, conventions and agreements in the nuclear sector entered into by the UAE.

Under UAE Nuclear Law, FANR is the body in charge of the issuance, revocation and suspension of licenses for regulated nuclear activities in the UAE. However, each licensee is accountable for taking all steps necessary to reduce the risk of an accident to a level that is as low as reasonably possible.

FANR is also responsible for inspection and control, investigating any breaches of the UAE Nuclear Law and imposing penalties in such cases. It operates with high standards of transparency and facilitates public access to information pertaining to its activities.

To achieve its goals of nuclear safety and security, FANR also cooperates with relevant government bodies and international organizations in the areas of: environmental protection, public and occupational health, emergency planning and preparedness, radioactive wastes, public liability, physical protection and safeguards, water and food consumption, land use and planning and safety in the transport of dangerous goods.

FANR is managed by a Board of Management comprised of seven members who are appointed by a resolution of the UAE Cabinet. It is chaired by H.E. Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, with H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi as Deputy Chairman⁽⁵⁾.

Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC)

On 23 December 2009, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) was established by Abu Dhabi decree, issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. ENEC is the owner organization in charge of implementing the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

ENEC’s main responsibilities are:

1. Contracting and constructing UAE nuclear power plants.

2. Working with Abu Dhabi and the Federal Government to ensure that the nuclear energy programme is aligned with industrial and infrastructure plans for the UAE (community development, roads, utility, telecommunication projects, etc.).

3. Building human resource capacity for the nuclear energy programme in parallel with the educational sector in the UAE (cooperation with other stakeholders including Khalifa University and the Institute of Applied Technology).

4. Developing public communications and education programmes to ensure that UAE residents understand the nuclear energy programme.

ENEC is the majority owner of Barakah One Company, which manages the financial and commercial interests of the Barakah Power Energy Plant, and Nawah Energy Company which is responsible for the operations and maintenance of the plant.

ENEC’s work and activities are subject to the oversight and regulation of FANR, the independent nuclear regulator.⁽⁶⁾

Nawah Energy Company (Nawah)

Nawah Energy Company was established in 2016 with the purpose of operating and maintaining Units 1 to 4 at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. Nawah serves as the world’s newest nuclear operator and plans to generate 5,600 MW of energy once the four Barakah Units go into operation.

Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO)

The Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) is the largest public power electric utility in South Korea and was awarded the Prime Contract in 2009 to design, build and help operate the UAE’s nuclear power plants. The contract also covers extensive training, human resource development and education programmes as the UAE builds its national nuclear capacity.

In October 2016, ENEC and KEPCO announced the formal financial conclusion for the financing of the Barakah NPP project. The fund will be managed by the subsidiary Barakah One PJSC (Barakah One Company).⁽⁷⁾ Barakah One Company is mandated to manage the commercial interests of the Barakah project, secure project finance from institutional and commercial lenders and receive funds for the electricity generated from the four units of the Barakah plant.

In accordance with the UAE’s programme schedule for commissioning of its first nuclear power plant (NPP), all infrastructure related to the grid is complete ahead of commissioning of Unit 1. All four units now have the ability to be connected to the grid in advance of operation.

The initial evaluation selection of potential sites was among the first major milestones to be concluded. On 28 February 2010, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) approved and issued the Site Selection License to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). At the same time, ENEC presented the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) with the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Non-Nuclear Environmental Impact Assessment (NN-EIA) to reinforce the undertakings outlined in the Site Preparation License.

The Selection Criteria included exclusionary measures such as proximity to population centre, access of cooling water, and the seismic activities. The criteria also took into consideration favourable measures such as proximity to electric grid and infrastructure availability including highways and ports.

Once the UAE-wide siting study was conducted and the final Candidate Sites determined, the UAE undertook site characterization studies to evaluate construction suitability and to pinpoint site-specific design criteria. In parallel, extensive environmental studies were undertaken to yield site-specific and regional data to assess environmental impacts.

As the selection process occurred early on in the UAE’s programme, the UAE sought IAEA guidance, and requested the IAEA to evaluate the country’s criteria of site selection, with the Agency’s review resulting in a positive conclusion.

The UAE Government has been open with the public about its consideration to pursue nuclear energy from the very beginning, even before the decision to embark on a nuclear energy programme was taken. Ever since, numerous public forums and other events have been held by UAE nuclear stakeholders, through which important features of the UAE’s programme have been introduced and discussed with a wide range of stakeholders. These forums and other activities have been successful in building awareness and bolstering public confidence and acceptance of the national nuclear energy programme.

The UAE continues to enjoy positive public perception of the programme. A national poll on nuclear energy conducted in 2019 demonstrated the below:

• 91% of residents believed nuclear energy is important for meeting the UAE’s future energy needs, while 90% agree that safety/security is the over-riding priority for the UAE Programme.

• 82% believed the benefits of nuclear energy outweigh risks.

• 87% of residents believed it will serve as a model to other countries and 82% believe it has strong international support.

• 91% of the respondents believed that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is using the latest technology and will create jobs and boost the country’s economy.

The UAE Government is supportive of establishing a nuclear Research and Development (R&D) programme, especially through expanding partnerships with existing supplier nations.

Central to the UAE’s approach to developing a nuclear energy programme has been the importance of building a qualified workforce for the short- and long- term. ENEC joined the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research, the Institute of Applied Technology, FANR and other institutions across the UAE education system, as well as with universities internationally, in order to ensure that there will be a reservoir of talent, both Emirati and expatriate, well into the future. In January 2020, Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) was formed as a Collaboration between Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), Khalifa University (KU) and External JV Stakeholders. The main objectives and goals of ENTC is to:

1) Maintain and enhance the national nuclear and radiological technology programmes.

2) Continue to conduct technical analysis of the nuclear technology sector to meet stakeholders developing needs.

3) Developing nuclear technology capabilities in the UAE in order to become an internationally recognized innovator.

4) Scientific research of new nuclear technology approaches and applications which can be incorporated into the national R&D and innovation system.

Although the UAE anticipates future cooperation to develop advanced nuclear generation systems, no specific programmes are yet underway.

As a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) since 1976, the UAE has committed itself to various IAEA strategies on operational transparency, non-proliferation and nuclear safety. The UAE also seeks IAEA technical assistance in the areas of safeguards, physical protection, nuclear safety and liability, as well as in the assessment of potential technology options and appropriate managerial approaches.

Additionally, the UAE has concluded multiple bilateral agreements with other governments for cooperation in the nuclear field, including agreements with France (2008), the United States of America (2009), the Republic of Korea (2009), the United Kingdom (2010), the Russian Federation (2012), Australia (2012), Argentina (2013), and Japan (2013).

The UAE is working through multiple initiatives which aim at deterring terrorists from using the world’s seaports to ship illicit materials. It also focuses on detecting nuclear or radioactive materials if shipped via sea cargo and interdicting harmful shipments. Furthermore, the UAE is a member of the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI), which is aimed at stopping shipments of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery systems and related materials worldwide. The UAE is also a member of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC), as well as the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism.

FANR continues to cooperate with nuclear regulatory bodies and expert organisations in operating countries (United States of America, France, United Kingdom, Canada, Republic of Korea, Australia, Finland, Spain, China and Belgium). The cooperation covers the exchange of technical information on safety, security and safeguards matters as well as facilitating the exchange of personnel for training purposes.

FANR has sought to cooperate not only bilaterally, but also with international institutions, namely the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). With the IAEA, FANR has either invited or participated in peer review missions that assess the UAE’s adherence to the IAEA’s international standards. FANR has so far received 11 review missions conducted by the IAEA:

• Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review Mission (INIR) in 2011

• Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission in 2011

• Safeguards Advisory Service (ISSAS) Mission in 2014

• IRRS follow-up review in 2015

• Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) mission in 2015

• Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (ORPAS) in 2015

• International Physical Protection Advisory Service (IPPAS) in 2016

• (pre-) Operational Safety Review Team (OSART) in 2017

• Education and Appraisal Mission (EduTA) in 2017

• INIR Phase 3 mission in 2018

• Emergency Preparedness Review Follow-up Mission (EPREV) in 2019

In conformance with the UAE commitment on nuclear safety and radiation protection, FANR has taken part since 2009 in IAEA Review Meetings on the Convention on Nuclear Safety and the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management.

Furthermore, in November 2015, an Administrative Arrangement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE and the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation Office was concluded, pursuant to the bilateral agreement between the two Governments previously signed in 2012. This agreement allows for Australian uranium exports to the UAE for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

In September 2009, the UAE President, H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, approved Federal Law by Decree No. (6) of 2009, Concerning the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy. This law established the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) as the UAE’s nuclear regulatory body.

FANR is the independent Government body charged with regulating and licensing nuclear activities in the UAE, which, in addition to the nuclear energy programme, includes radioactive material and radiation sources used in medicine, research, oil exploration and other industries.

FANR determines all matters relating to the control and supervision of the nuclear sector in the UAE, in particular nuclear safety and security, radiation and environmental protection and safeguards. All obligations under the relevant international treaties, conventions or agreements entered into by the UAE are carried out by FANR.

The FANR Board of Management (BoM) is composed of seven members, including a Chairman and Deputy Chairman. All members are appointed by the Minister’s Cabinet Resolution and must be citizens of the United Arab Emirates. The Board of Management appoints the Director General and is responsible for managing the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).

The National Law provides requirements for the granting, revocation, and suspension of licenses. The law prohibits any person from conducting any ‘Regulated Activity’ in the UAE unless licensed to do so by FANR. Regulated Activity includes the siting, construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear facilities.

The law provides requirements for inspection and control of licensee activities, requiring FANR to establish a planned and systematic inspections programme and to conduct inspections covering all areas of regulatory responsibility to ensure that the operator is in compliance with the law, regulations and license conditions. In undertaking inspections, FANR has the power to undertake enforcement actions, which are defined by the law as including corrective actions, written warnings, revocation of a license, and administrative penalties and fines. The law includes provisions for civil liabilities and criminal penalties for various offences related to the requirements of the Nuclear Law.

FANR has issued a number of licenses to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), which remain current:

• Site Selection License – Approved 28 February 2010

• Site Preparation License – Approved 8 July 2010

• Construction License for Barakah Units 1 and 2 – 17 July 2012

• Construction Licence for Barakah Units 3 and 4 – September 2015

• Application for Operating License for Barakah Units 1 and 2 – March 2015

• Import, transportation, and storage of fresh fuel for Barakah Unit 1 – May 2017

• Operating License for Barakah Unit 1 – February 2020

• Import, transportation, and storage of fresh fuel for Barakah Unit 2 – February 2020