FACT SHEET 2014
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
Operational Transparency of the UAE Nuclear Power Programme The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognizes that a commitment to full operational transparency is essential for the success of its nuclear energy programme. The UAE has followed a transparent approach engaging domestic and international partners throughout the planning and implementation of its nuclear energy programme.
“The UAE plays a leading role among the nations which are developing nascent programmes.” IAEA Director General, Yukiya Amano
Nuclear Policy: Committed to Complete Operational Trasnparency The UAE is committed to complete operational transparency in the development of its peaceful nuclear energy programme. In April 2008, the Government issued its Nuclear Policy, which marked the official start of the UAE Nuclear Power Programme. The “Policy of the United Arab Emirates on Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy” outlines the UAE’s commitment to complete operational transparency, pursuing the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. It also commits the UAE to direct cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and conformity to its standards, as well as partnering with the governments and firms of responsible nations, utilizing the assistance of appropriate expert organizations and ensuring long-term sustainability.
International Advisory Board
Permanent Mission of United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency Chimanistrasse 36, A-1190 Vienna, Austria Tel.: + 43 (1) 715 00 28 Fax: + 43 (1) 715 00 28 - 5555 E-mail: general@uae-iaea.org Web: www.uae-iaea.org UAE_IAEA
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is a committee founded by a concept developed by the UAE Government to augment the transparency of its peaceful nuclear energy programme. The Board includes world-class experts in the areas of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation, as well as regulation, quality assurance, operations, human resource development and waste management associated with the construction, operation and decommissioning of civil nuclear power plants. Led by Dr. Hans Blix, the former Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (from 1982-1997), the IAB is charged with conducting semi-annual reviews of the UAE’s entire peaceful nuclear energy programme and subsequently preparing a semi-annual report summarizing their observations, findings and recommendations. All reports are available at www.uaeiab.ae Biannual Meeting of the International Advisory Board in Abu Dhabi to review the UAE Nuclear Programme progress
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
International Agreements and Conventons concluded by the UAE: • Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, 1995 • IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, 2003 • Convention on Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, 2003 • Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty, 2000 PHOTO IAEA • Convention for the Suppression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, 2005 • Early Notification & Assistance Conventions, 1987 • Amendment to Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, 2009 • IAEA Convention on Nuclear Safety, 2009 • Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, 2009 • IAEA Additional Protocol to the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, brought into force in 2010
International Instruments and Legislation The UAE has acceded to all existing international conventions and agreements in the area of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation to ensure the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the UAE. The Government is actively implementing these instruments through implementing national laws.
Public Engagement UAE key nuclear entities implement a comprehensive public awareness programme and engage with local residents. Both the country’s nuclear regulator and operator are actively engaging with local communities by hosting public forums. These forums provide residents with a platform to learn about the UAE’s nuclear programme progress, and address relevant questions. The ENEC forums are part of an ongoing series of community meetings, which are designed to raise awareness and understanding of the UAE nuclear energy programme amongst residents. Since 2010, ENEC has held more than 10 public forums; which have been attended by more than 4,500 residents. FANR is communicating transparently with its stakeholders to introduce its particular role in ensuring safety, security and safeguards in the UAE’s peaceful nuclear power programme and in the use of radioactive materials. Various mechanisms are in place that enable FANR to reach out to its audience, one of which is the public forums that are conducted in partnership with local entities and directed at UAE residents. FANR also offers on an on-going basis opportunities to all stakeholders and the public to review draft nuclear regulations and regulatory guides.
• Protocol to Amend the 1963 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage, 2012 • Joint Protocol on the Application of the Vienna Convention and Paris Convention, 2012 • Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage, 2014
FANR Public Forum to introduce UAE residents of FANR’s role in ensuring the safe, secure and peaceful uses of the nuclear energy programme in the country
www.uae-iaea.org
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
Cooperation with the IAEA The UAE government works closely with the IAEA to assure the international community of its peaceful intentions on the development of its nuclear energy programme. In doing so, the UAE government submits National Reports concerning the implementation of its obligations under the relevant conventions, requests review services and briefs the IAEA on an on-going basis regarding the development of its nuclear power programme. Since the UAE has been developing its national infrastructure for nuclear power, major IAEA Peer Review services have been carried out. The Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission, the Integrated Regulatory Review Services (IRRS) mission, and the IAEA’s State System of Accountancy and Control Advisory Service (ISSAS) mission were hosted by the UAE to evaluate the development of an appropriate infrastructure and relevant framework for its nuclear programme. The resulting peer review mission reports have been made public and available on the UAE Permanent Mission’s website.
Bilateral Cooperation and Partnerships with Firms of Responsible Nations Bilateral Agreements for Nuclear Cooperation have been signed with governments of nine experienced nations: Argentina, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States. These agreements enforce UAE commitments in the areas of safety, security and nonproliferation, and facilitate the transfer of nuclear technology and material to the UAE.
Signing of bilateral nuclear cooperation agreement between the UAE and Australia, August 2012
Group photo of the IAEA ISSAS mission team and FANR officials at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, May 2014
www.uae-iaea.org
PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
Hosting International Nuclear Cooperation Forums International cooperation plays an important role to further strengthening global nuclear safety and security. In fulfilling its international obligations and commitment to transparency, the UAE government supports international initiatives to strengthen cooperation on the peaceful uses of nuclear power. On 24 October 2013, the UAE hosted and chaired the fourth annual Executive Committee Ministerial Meeting of the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC). High-level officials from 30 Member States met in Abu Dhabi to strengthen cooperation between Member States and concerned international organizations to support the peaceful use of nuclear energy in a way that meets the highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation. IFNEC comprises 30 Member States and 30 observers, and among other things, it promotes comprehensive fuel services arrangements that include fuel leasing. It furthermore supports the expansion of nuclear power in a safe and responsible manner, and addresses issues such as funding to finance nuclear power and waste management. An inaugural New Nuclear International Conference (NNIC) under the theme “Bringing the Nuclear World Together” was hosted by ENEC. It provided a platform for ENEC and nuclear industry experts to share insights and lessons learnt with the over 80 newcomer/new build countries from around the world.
Another major international conference on safety and security of radioactive sources was hosted by the UAE government through the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) from 27-31 October 2013, in Abu Dhabi. Organized in cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), an international forum was convened under the title “International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources: Maintaining the Continuous Global Control of Sources throughout their Life Cycle.” The event brought together 420 government officials, industry leaders, policymakers and national nuclear authorities representing more than 80 countries and 13 regional and international organizations. The conference allowed participants to share experiences in order to benefit from good practices and to continue building a harmonized global framework for the safety and security of radioactive sources.
Opening of the International Conference on Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources by H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, Abu Dhabi, October 2013
www.uae-iaea.org