“Nuclear Control”: Preparedness for nuclear emergencies is a major priority
The commercial operation of the second station of “Barakah” .. this year
Regulatory supervision of Units 1 and 2 of the Barakah plant, the focus of the Commission’s priorities in 2022. Archive
Yesterday, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation held a media briefing, in which it reviewed its most prominent achievements in 2021 and its projects for the current year.
The authority indicated that the commercial operation of the second plant of the Barakah nuclear reactor will be this year.
special year
The Director-General of the authority, Christer Viktorsen, said during the media briefing that 2021 was a distinguished year for the authority, as it succeeded in strengthening its position globally, as a leading regulatory authority.
He stressed that the authority will continue its main mission to protect society and the environment and ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy, in addition to developing the capabilities and expertise of specialized national cadres to monitor the nuclear and radiological sectors.
License and Operation
Viktorsen added: “The authority has made an achievement in the matter of licensing the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, as the first unit is operating commercially, generating electricity and transmitting it through the national grid.
The authority also issued a license to operate the second unit, which is currently undergoing the testing phase, in preparation for commercial operation this year.
He continued, "The authority is currently reviewing the request to issue an operating license for the third unit, which is expected to be issued this year, after the Nawah Energy Company, the operator, fulfills all regulatory requirements in terms of nuclear safety, nuclear security, and non-proliferation," stressing that the authority will continue its work in Regulatory supervision of the four units of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, to ensure the safety, security and safety of the plant, and to protect society and the environment.
He pointed out that the authority shares its experiences with neighboring countries, especially Saudi Arabia, as there is close cooperation with them in this direction.
Non-proliferation
Viktorsen continued: “The authority continues to implement its tasks in accordance with the nuclear law in the UAE, which delegates to us the task of monitoring the nuclear sector for peaceful purposes. The authority has conducted more than 70 safeguards inspections, including five inspections at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, as well as 85 operations. Inspections to monitor import and export operations of nuclear materials, to ensure compliance with FANR's regulatory regulations.
The authority also issued 24 licenses for the import and export of nuclear materials subject to control.
18 monitoring stations
He stressed that the authority measures radiation levels in the environment of the UAE, as part of its efforts to protect society, and monitors radiation levels through its environmental laboratory, and 18 monitoring stations spread across the country.
He pointed out that the authority conducted 300 inspections related to medical and non-medical facilities, and issued 1,279 licenses, including: 290 new licenses, 378 amendments, in addition to the renewal of 611 licenses, and 1404 permits for radioactive sources designated for import and export.
Emergency preparedness
Victorsen stressed that preparedness for nuclear emergencies is a major priority for the authority, in accordance with the provisions of the nuclear law.
He said: "In 2021, the UAE, in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency and national authorities, hosted a nuclear emergency exercise (CONFEX-3) to test the nuclear or radiological emergency response system.
And 75 countries, 12 international organizations, 11 emergency operations centers in the country, and 700 participants from the Al Dhafra region participated in the exercise.
a future vision
He said: “The regulatory supervision of Units 1 and 2 of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, to ensure safe operation, as well as the licensing of Units 3 and 4, will be the focus of our priorities for 2022. its employees in various international research programs, as well as strengthening the supervisory role through the application of new techniques and procedures.”
The authority confirmed the provision of full protection for the reactor, whether in terms of designs and construction that were carried out according to the highest standards, or in cooperation with the relevant agencies, stressing its readiness to deal with any emergency.
Krister Victorsen:
• “The authority monitors radiation levels through its environmental laboratory and 18 monitoring stations.”
72% of the authority's employees are Emirati
FANR Director General Christer Viktorsen affirmed FANR's commitment to developing the capabilities of national cadres in the peaceful nuclear sector, in line with FANR's objectives in the field of capacity building and sustainability.
He pointed to several programs implemented by the authority to build skills, such as the launch of the Leadership Program in the Nuclear Control Sector in 2018, revealing that 245 employees are currently employed by the authority, 72% of whom are Emiratis.
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