Permanent Mission of United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Vienna, Austria
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
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Annual Report 2015 Published in Vienna, Austria by the Permanent Mission of United Arab Emirates to the Internationl Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Chimanistrasse 36, A-1190, Vienna, Austria Tel: +43 (1) 715 0028 Fax: +43 (1) 715 0028 - 5555 Email: general@uae-iaea.org www.uae-iaea.org
Photo credits: International Atomic Energy Agency, Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization, Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, Khalifa University, University of Sharjah, WAM. Copyright @UAEPermanent MissionVienna 2015
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CONTENTS Message from the Ambassador ....................................................................................4 Introduction ......................................................................................................................5
UAE Policy Principles on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy ...................................................7 Current Status of the Nuclear Power Programme.....................................................................9 Construction Progress of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant ........................................................10 About the Permanent Mission ......................................................................................................11 Office of the Permanent Mission .................................................................................................12 Seven Years at a Glance: Accomplishments .................................................................................13 2015 in Review......................................................................................................................................15 Commitment to the Highest Standards of Safety and Security ...................................................16 Nuclear Safety Conventions..........................................................................................................17 Emergency Preparedness and Response.................................................................................. 21 Nuclear Security ............................................................................................................................ 23 Setting Standards through IAEA cooperation and high-level meetings .............................. 23 Implementation of Standards at the national level .................................................................. 26 Evaluating Implementation of Safety and Security Standards ...............................................27 Commitment to Pursuing the Highest Standards of Non-Proliferation .................................... 28 Global Non-Proliferation Regime .................................................................................................29 Political Support to Non-Proliferation..........................................................................................30 Engagement with the CTBTO.........................................................................................................34 Working Directly with the International Atomic Energy Agency ..............................................36 Framework of UAE Cooperation with IAEA ................................................................................37 IAEA Director General Official Visit ............................................................................................ 45 Technical Cooperation Programme with the IAEA .................................................................. 47 UAE contribution to the IAEA ........................................................................................................53 Developing Partnerships with the Governments and Firms of Responsible Nations ............61 Bilateral Cooperation .................................................................................................................... 63 Regional and Interregional Technical Cooperation ................................................................. 64 Commitment to Complete Operational Transparency .................................................................. 65 International Advisory Board ....................................................................................................... 66 Permanent Mission Activities and Outreach ............................................................................ 67 Ensuring Long-Term Sustainability ..................................................................................................72 Addressing Developmental Goals ............................................................................................... 73 Human Resource Development ....................................................................................................74 Future Outlook ..................................................................................................................................76
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MESSAGE FROM THE AMBASSADOR I have the pleasure to present the 2015 Annual Report of the Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization. Steady and substantial progress has been made by all national stakeholders, and I would like in particular to highlight the work that the Permanent Mission has done to ensure that this extensive undertaking is being conducted with the full cooperation and support of the IAEA.
Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi
“2015 has witnessed several highlights such as the beginning of construction of Barakah Unit 4, the completion of three major IAEA peer review missions, and review of obligations under major conventions and agreements, and extending Technical Cooperation Programme with the IAEA.” ~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi
This Report highlights progress made in the development of the nation’s nuclear energy programme and offers a guide that illustrates the country’s commitments and cooperation with the international community in line with the UAE’s Nuclear Policy Principles. The year 2015 marks the 7th anniversary of the Permanent Mission’s official establishment in Vienna, Austria. Over the past seven years, the Permanent Mission, with its dedicated team, has been working hard toward fostering and strengthening cooperation between the UAE government and the international community in the areas of nuclear safety, security, non-proliferation and transparency. The past year, has witnessed several highlights such as the beginning of construction of Barakah Unit 4, the completion of three major IAEA peer review missions, and the review of obligations under major conventions and agreements. This briefing offers a closer look into the work of the Permanent Mission in relation to the development of the UAE’s nuclear power programme. It highlights the Mission’s endeavours to coordinate and strengthen the important partnership between the UAE Government and the IAEA and CTBTO in all areas of nuclear energy. It finally serves as a guide on the efficient engagement of a nuclear newcomer with the international community, and through national mobilization efforts, in developing a responsible and robust nuclear power programme based on UAE Policy Principles. These are exciting times, as the UAE moves progressively forward in developing its nuclear power programme, and I hope you find this Report informative.
Hamad Alkaabi UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA & Special Representative for International Nuclear Cooperation 5
INTRODUCTION With a rapidly developing economy, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) pursued the introduction of nuclear energy based on its need to develop additional sources of electricity for meeting future energy demand. Energy studies presented in the UAE in 2008 demonstrating this potential, which resulted in support for introducing nuclear power based on its proven, environmentally promising and commercially competitive nature. In 2008, the UAE Government issued the Policy of the United Arab Emirates on the Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy. The Policy was transformed into Nuclear Law - Federal Law Decree No.6 of 2009 - opening the door for development of a comprehensive system for licensing and control of nuclear material. Under this Law, institutions to oversee the UAE’s nuclear energy sector needed to be created. To this end, the UAE formally established an independent nuclear safety regulator - the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) - in September 2009. In December of that year, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) was founded as a commercial entity responsible for the deployment and operation of nuclear power plants in the UAE. In 2012, the UAE became the first ‘newcomer’ country in 27 years to start constructing its first nuclear reactor, and a leading country in the Middle East region in the development of a nuclear power programme. This rapid progress made the UAE a model for other countries considering the nuclear power option. Construction of the UAE nuclear power reactors is now well underway; Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant reached over 75% completion in September 2015. Unit 2 is more than 53% complete; Unit 3 over 27% complete; and Unit 4 began construction in September 2015. The overall completion of the four Units is currently over 50%. Unit 1 is scheduled to commence operation in 2017; Unit 2 in 2018; Unit 3 in 2019; and Unit 4 in 2020. These four reactors are expected to contribute up to 25% of peak electricity demand in the country by 2020. To achieve the highest standards of safety, security and non-proliferation for its nuclear power programme, the UAE established and maintains close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Through this support, the UAE has acceded to all international instruments in the areas of nuclear safety, nuclear security, and non-proliferation. As member of these major Conventions, the country fulfils its obligations in a transparent way and maintains the international community informed of its activities in the build-up of its programme. In working extensively with the IAEA, the UAE undergoes capacity building through the Agency’s Technical Cooperation Programme, and envisions continued support in the further development of its nuclear energy programme, as well as in other non-power areas. In turn, the UAE contributes to the work of the IAEA through valuable feedback in light of its national strategy in using the tools of the Agency to strengthen its programme, as well as providing its experience to benefit the programmes of other IAEA Member States. As you read through the Permanent Mission’s 2015 Annual Report, and learn about the country’s remarkable achievements this past year and over the programme timeframe as a whole, we hope you will be able to witness the significant progress made toward establishing peaceful nuclear energy in the UAE and relevant international instruments.
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UAE Nuclear Policy on Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy
The Policy outlines the UAE’s commitment to the highest standards of safety, security, non-proliferation and transparency, making the UAE programme a role model for nuclear energy development worldwide. 8
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) recognized the need to seek the best option for meeting future energy demand, and to ensure energy security through a diversified and secure portfolio of energy sources. An energy study was thus conducted, which resulted in support for consideration of introducing nuclear power, based on its proven, environmentally promising and commercially competitive nature. The next major step toward developing the UAE peaceful nuclear energy programme was the issuing of its Nuclear Policy in April 2008, which outlined the Government’s approach to develop nuclear power. The Policy outlines six main principles that would guide the country in its development of a peaceful nuclear energy programme: 1. The UAE is committed to complete operational transparency. 2. The UAE is committed to pursuing the highest standards of non-proliferation. 3. The UAE is committed to the highest standards of safety and security. 4. The UAE will work directly with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and conform to its standards in evaluating and potentially establishing a peaceful nuclear energy program. 5. The UAE hopes to develop any peaceful domestic nuclear power capability in partnership with the Governments and firms of responsible nations, as well with the assistance of appropriate expert organizations. 6. The UAE will approach any peaceful domestic nuclear power programme in a manner that best ensures long-term sustainability. By formally endorsing the Nuclear Policy, the UAE Government made its intentions clear to its citizens and to the international community, based on this framework. Under these commitments, the Policy constitutes the UAE’s decision to forgo domestic enrichment and reprocessing of nuclear fuel. A cornerstone of the Nuclear Policy is international cooperation and implementation of international obligations related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy, and covering the critical aspects of nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation. To this end, the Permanent Mission in Vienna, Austria, was established to support the work directly with the IAEA and to support the engagement of UAE institutions and institutional organizations responsible for the deployment of a nuclear power programme.
“The UAE is the first country in 27 years to build its first Nuclear Power Plant. The IAEA closely cooperates with UAE on this an enormous project. I was very much impressed to see the progress at the Barakah construction site and that the project leaders are taking care of the workers.� ~ Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General
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CURRENT STATUS OF THE NUCLEAR POWER PROGRAMME Construction of the UAE nuclear power reactors is well underway, with Unit 1 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant reaching over 75% completion in September 2015. Unit 2 is more than 53% complete; Unit 3 over 27% complete: and Unit 4 began construction in September 2015. The overall completion of the four Units is currently more than 50%. Unit 1 is scheduled to commence operation in 2017; Unit 2 in 2018; Unit 3 in 2019; and Unit 4 in 2020.
UAE Nuclear Power Programme Timeline
Construction Unit 4 starts Operating License Application Units 1-2 Construction Unit 3 starts
Construction License Units 3-4 Construction Unit 2 starts Construction License for Units 1-2 Construction Unit 1 starts Prime Contractor Preparation License for Units 1-4 Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation
Evaluation and Potential Development of Peaceful Nuclear Energy Energy studies conducted on UAE future energy demand
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Construction Progress of Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Overall the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant construction completion rate for Units 1-4 has reached over 50%, as of September 2015.
Unit 1
more than 75% complete
Unit 3
more than 27% complete
Unit 2
more than 53% complete
Unit 4
began construction in September 2015
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About the Permanent Mission Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) These include: was established in July 2008 to serve as a primary channel of communication between the UAE Government • Facilitating cooperation on technical projects beand the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and tween the Agency and national stakeholders to the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organizachannel technical assistance to the UAE; tion (CTBTO), whose headquarters is located in Vienna, Austria. • Ensuring that the UAE’s views and interests are taken on board by the IAEA and its Member States; The Permanent Mission constitutes the role of main liaison between the UAE Government and these two inter- • Supporting the implementation of international Connational organizations. ventions signed by the UAE; The Mission facilitates cooperation in the areas of nuclear safety, nuclear security, non-proliferation, safeguards, technical cooperation, and the implementation of relevant international obligations.
• Enabling the exchange of UAE’s experience in developing a nuclear power programme as a newcomer country; and
• Ensuring that the UAE programme is being develThe Permanent Mission has been headed by H.E. Amoped with the highest standard of safety, security bassador Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to and transparency. the IAEA and CTBTO, and Special Representative for International Nuclear Cooperation. The Mission additionally supports the work of CTBTO, an important organization to support global nuclear In 2010, the Permanent Mission was designated as the non-proliferation and disarmament. Through its enNational Liaison Office for the IAEA Technical Cooper- deavours, the Permanent Mission implements the UAE ation (TC) programme, with Ambassador Alkaabi acting Nuclear Policy Principles, ensuring compliance to the as the National Liaison Officer. The work of the Perma- fullest degree with all commitments set out therein. nent Mission is divided over a range of tasks that go directly in line with the UAE Nuclear Policy Principles.
Staff of the Permanent Mission, led by Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi (center) 12
Office of the Permanent Mission On 10 June 2013, the new offices of the United Arab Emirates’ diplomatic representation in Austria was officially opened by UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during his official visit to Austria. The new building houses both the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the IAEA as well as the UAE Embassy and the Consulate.
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SEVEN YEARS AT A GLANCE: ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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New signed and ratified international conventions concluded with the IAEA
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National Reports submitted to the IAEA in compliance with Safety Conventions.
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major IAEA Peer Reviews hosted by the UAE.
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Projects of technical cooperation with IAEA addressing national developmental needs through nuclear technology.
National stakeholder institutions from UAE collaborate with IAEA through the technical cooperation programme, with support from the Permanent Mission.
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UAE cost-free experts contributed to IAEA activities from 2011, supported by the Permanent Mission.
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IAEA activities on nuclear energy and other nuclear applications hosted in UAE since 2011.
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Activities were implemented since 2013 under the UAE Integrated Work Plan with the IAEA, strengthening the development of UAE’s nuclear power programme.
2,751
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Activities conducted with IAEA since 2011 through facilitation of the Permanent Mission.
participants from the UAE partook in the IAEA activities since 2010 with Permanent Mission support
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Regional and Interregional projects where UAE partners with other countries and the IAEA on common issues through the use of nuclear technology.
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Activities conducted with IAEA through Permanent Mission support, specifically focused on safety and security, since 2011.
“Our interest in clean energy is inseparable from our project to develop a peaceful programme of nuclear energy to meet our growing energy requirements, based on the highest standards of transparency, safety and nuclear security, in accordance with international laws, and in full cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.� ~ H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the United Arab Emirates 15
2015 IN REVIEW Key Achievements • UAE completed ratification of all Conventions and Treaties outlined in UAE Nuclear Policy; • Submitted and presented Second National Report to the Fifth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management; • Implemented 7 national TC projects with IAEA; and • Completed 5 of them in 2015; • 3 major IAEA Peer Review Missions to the UAE concluded; • 827 UAE participants in IAEA activities throughout the year; • Facilitated the hosting of high-level meetings on issues of non-proliferation, and nuclear education training in coordination with the IAEA in Abu Dhabi.
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IAEA activities with UAE participants
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UAE Women participate in IAEA activities
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New national TC project designs finalized for 2016-2017 16
Commitment to the Highest Standards of Safety and Security
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Commitment to the highest standards of Safety and Security The UAE is committed to the highest standards of nuclear safety and security. The Permanent Mission has supported achieving these goals through the participation of reporting on and reviewing the implementation of provisions under relevant agreements. The Permanent Mission also is engaged directly and facilitates the engagement of stakeholders in meetings that pertain to the improvement of nuclear safety and security worldwide.
Nuclear Safety Conventions Convention on Nuclear Safety One of the key conventions joined by the UAE is the view Meetings of the CNS and one National Report to a Convention on Nuclear Safety (CNS), an agreement CNS Extraordinary Meeting: that sets international benchmarks for States operating land-based nuclear power plants to ensure that these • The First National Report on Measures Taken by the UAE on Compliance to the CNS was submitted facilities maintain a high level of safety. in 2010, and discussed at the 5th CNS Review MeetSince ratifying the CNS in ing in April 2011. 2009, the UAE has, submited UAE National Reports to the • Submission of the Second National Report followed Review Meetings, manages in 2013, and reviewed at the 6th Review Meeting of the presentations of the Nathe CNS in April 2014. tional Reports at the Review Meetings, and leads the • An additional National Report was submitted at the delegation of national stakeExtraordinary Review Meeting of the CNS in relaholders at the Meetings. tion to lessons learned from the Fukushima acciThe UAE has submitted two dent. National Reports to the Re-
Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi presenting UAE National Report at the CNS Review Meeting, May 2014 18
At the most recent 6th CNS Review Meeting in 2014, Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident and the Conthe decision was taken to convene a Diplomatic Con- vention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Acciference in 2015 that would address a proposal made by dent or Radiological Emergency in 1987. Switzerland to amend the Convention. The Permanent Mission was involved in the Informal Working Groups that were organized leading up to the Conference. At the Diplomatic Conference in February 2015, the UAE welcomed the adoption of the Vienna Declaration, which outlines specific text for achieving higher levels of safety. Also in line with meeting its obligations toward ensuring nuclear safety, the UAE joined both the Convention on
All national reports submitted by the UAE to the IAEA under the Convention on Nuclear Safety are made public on the Permanent Mission’s website: www.uae-iaea.org
Nuclear Liability As a critical element underpinning the establishment of its programme, the UAE has introduced a regime on nuclear liability in compliance with relevant major international instruments. In 2012, through the support of the Permanent Mission, the UAE began fulfilling its commitments to nuclear liability by joining international instruments such as the 1997 Protocol to Amend the Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage and the Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention.
By joining these conventions, the UAE demonstrates its responsible approach for developing peaceful nuclear energy. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi handing over instrument of accession to nuclear liability Conventions to Ms. Peri Lynn Johnson, Legal Adviser of the IAEA and Director of the IAEA Office of Legal Affairs in 2013.
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In line with the accession to the conventions on nuclear liability, the UAE Government issued the Federal Law by Decree No 4 of 2012 Concerning Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage.
CSC Entry into Force
This law was established to determine civil liability and compensation for nuclear damage in the UAE. It represented a transposition of obligations contained in nuclear liability conventions into UAE law, incorporating the fundamental principles contained in those conventions. On a broader scale, the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage (CSC) was established as an overarching global nuclear liability regime, acting as the umbrella for the existing international liability conventions. The CSC was adopted and opened for signature in September 1997. The UAE ratified the CSC on 17 July 2014.
On 15 January 2015, Japan became the 6th Contracting State of the CSC, and its accession brought the Convention into force three months later, on 15 April. The event to mark this historical moment was co-organized by the Permanent Missions of all six original Contracting Parties: Argentina, Japan, Morocco, Romania, the United Arab Emirates and the United States of America.
Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi (left) deposits UAE instrument of ratification of the Convention on Supplementary Compensation with IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano (right) at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria, 7 July 2014.
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Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management The Permanent Mission has provided support to UAE’s efforts of developing a plan to address the safe management of its spent fuel and radioactive waste. The UAE has subscribed to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, which constitutes the first legal instrument to address these issues on a global scale.
Fourth Review Meeting of the Joint Convention in 2012, and responded to questions posed by other Contracting Parties regarding its Report.
In addition, from 11-22 May 2015, the Permanent Mission led the UAE delegation at the Fifth Review Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management, and presented its The UAE became Party to the Joint Convention in 2009 Second National Report. The Report outlined the stratand through the Permanent Mission made public its egy so far established in the UAE on spent nuclear fuel First National Report on Compliance with Obligations of and radioactive waste. the Joint Convention in October 2011. The Mission also led the UAE delegation in its first participation at the
“The UAE is committed to meeting the highest safety standards in its nuclear power programme, so it is essential that the nation takes full advantage of critical international collaborative efforts such as the Joint Convention.” ~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA
INPRO Steering Committees
In line with its interest in the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle, the UAE participates in IAEA Committees enabling an open forum on nuclear matters. One such committee is the International Project on Innovative Nuclear Reactor and Fuel Cycles (INPRO) Steering Committee. Through the Permanent Mission, the UAE subscribed to this Committee’s Action Plan for 2014-2015, and thus contributed to the 10th INPRO Dialogue Forum on Cooperation Approaches to the Back End of the Nuclear Fuel Cycle. The meeting, which took place from 26-29 May 2015, focused on how to overcome challenges and improve management in this area.
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Emergency Preparedness and Response Also in support of UAE’s commitments, the Permanent Mission participate in IAEA meetings related to emergency preparedness and response. Through facilitation and support of the Permanent Mission, the UAE has been involving the IAEA in several exercises that test and assess the country’s emergency planning and response to nuclear and radiological emergencies. This includes the hosting of an Emergency Preparedness Review mission in 2015 (featured under section ‘Working
directly with the IAEA’).
work of UAE’s Integrated Work Plan and a Technical Cooperation projAt the invitation by the UAE Govern- ect with the IAEA, for the purpose of ment, an IAEA team reviewed the ensuring Emergency Preparedness emergency preparedness and re- and Response readiness before opsponse arrangements for the UAE’s eration of the first nuclear power Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, and plant and throughout the process. gave positive feedback. In addition, the Permanent Mission UAE national nuclear power stake- facilitates the participation of relholders collaborate closely with the evant UAE stakeholders to particPermanent Mission and IAEA’s In- ipate in corresponding forums on cident and Emergency Centre (the this issue. global focal point that tackles cases of nuclear or radiological incidents or emergencies) under the frame-
International Experts Meeting on Assessment and Prognosis
From 20-24 April 2015, the Permanent Mission suported the participation of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) in the International Experts’ Meeting on Assessment and Prognosis in Response to a Nuclear or Radiological Emergency. Over 200 participants discussed issues, challenges and solutions, and UAE participants were able to share their perspective as an embarking country. The meeting provided information that would assist FANR in the future development of emergency planning programmes and procedures. 22
“The UAE has built its nuclear emergency preparedness and response programme in an effective way on the basis of an already strong national infrastructure for crisis and emergency management.“ ~ Raoul Awad, EPREV Mission Leader, Director General, Security and Safeguards of the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission
Lessons Learnt from Fukushima Daiichi The tragic accident at Japan’s Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in March 2011 brought the issue of nuclear safety into the international spotlight. From that point onward, the UAE has been at the forefront of talks and actions in light of the accident, as the country was entering its third year in the development of its national nuclear power programme when the accident occurred.
Licence Application for Barakah facilitates stakeholders to meetings Units 1 and 2, which is available on under the major areas of the Action FANR’s website. Plan. From 16-20 February 2015, the UAE participated in an information UAE brought in experts from its nu- and experience exchange at an Inclear regulator Federal Authority for ternational Experts Meeting (IEM) Nuclear Regulation (FANR) to par- on Strengthening Research and Deticipate in a Working Group for the velopment Effectiveness in the Light drafting of the IAEA Director Gener- of the Accident at Fukushima. The al’s Report on the Fukushima Daiichi UAE was able to benefit from assisAccident. tance in planning and implementing R&D activities in nuclear safety, As safety continues to be a priority technology, and engineering for The Permanent Mission has been for the UAE, the Permanent Mission existing nuclear power plants and instrumental in its participation maintains active engagement in and forthe design of new plants. at numerous high-level meetings in light of the accident. The Mission supported the participation of UAE delegation in the Ministerial Conference on Lessons Learnt from Fukushima by Member States, which was convened by the IAEA, and through which an Action Plan for Nuclear Safety was adopted. The Action Plan aimed at strengthening nuclear safety worldwide, and was quickly used by UAE’s regulator, The UAE expressed its assuranc- The Mission supported UAE parwho developed an internal process ticipation at the Ministerial Cones to safety in its overall nuclear to implement the IAEA Action Plan. ference on Nuclear Power in the planning. In December 2012, the Permanent Mission head, Ambas- 21st Century, held in June 2013 Consistent with the Action Plan in Russia. Through his national sador Hamad Alkaabi, delivered and international debate on this speech, Ambassador Alkaabi dea statement at the Fukushima issue, the UAE took swift action to Ministerial Conference on Nucle- scribed the UAE policy framework implement measures in light of the and its nuclear infrastructure ar Safety at the Fukushima Prelessons that initially arose from the development. fecture in Japan. He assured the accident. FANR requested from international community of UAE’s “In light of the natural disaster the nuclear operator a comprehendedication to implementing and sive “Safety Assessment Report for abiding by important international that took place on 11 of March Barakah Nuclear Power Plants (Lesinstruments for nuclear safety, at 2011, resulting in the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident, the sons Learned) from the Fukushima present and as the programme UAE places utmost emphasis on Accident”, which was submitted in continues to grow. nuclear safety as we take stern December 2011. The report was reand progressive steps towards viewed as a supplement to the Conthe development of a peaceful struction Licence Application that nuclear energy programme.” had been submitted by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation in 2010. ~ Hamad Alkaabi FANR made public its Safety Evaluation Report of the Construction 23
Nuclear Security Nuclear security comprises a series of pre-emptive measures introduced to prevent internal and/or external threats directly or indirectly related to nuclear materials, radioactive substances, relevant facilities or other associated activities.
International cooperation in the context of nuclear security includes strengthening the international nuclear security architecture and legal instruments.
Under the auspices of the IAEA, the Permanent Mission ensures UAE support and compliance. with all internaThe UAE is committed to the highest level of nuclear tional instruments relevant to nuclear security. The UAE security in the development of its nuclear power pro- has subscribed to United Nations Security Council Resgramme. The country’s Nuclear Policy highlights its olution 1540, the International Convention for the Supcommitment to support enhanced security, enforce pression of Acts of Nuclear Terrorism, the Convention protection from theft of nuclear materials, and control on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material, as well the supply of nuclear materials or equipment. as its Amendment.
UAE delegation at the 58th IAEA General Conference, Vienna, Austria, 22 September 2014.
Setting Standards through IAEA cooperation and high-level meetings Since the outset of its nuclear power programme development, the UAE has been actively involved in IAEA activities to enhance nuclear security worldwide through regular bilateral meetings, establishment and maintenance of its Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans, and by providing experts to Technical Meetings regarding development of Nuclear Security Series publications. 24
Nuclear Security Summits Policy commitments and directions are being concluded at high-level platforms such as the Nuclear Security Summits (NSS). The Permanent Mission plays a central role in developments leading up to these Summits, by providing leading support for UAE high-level participation.
at the Sherpa meetings to prepare for the next Summit.
International Conferences on Nuclear Security The Permanent Mission also played a crucial role in the IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Security: Enhancing Global Efforts in 2013 . The outcome of the Conference, to which the Mission directly contributed, was a Ministerial Declaration that stressed the importance of international cooperation and, inter alia, called upon all States to ensure that measures to strengthen nuclear security would not hamper international cooperation in the field of peaceful nuclear activities.
Within the context of the Nuclear Security Summit series, the Mission supports and drafts national progress reports on nuclear security, highlighting UAE contributions to the areas of global nuclear architecture, the role of the IAEA, nuclear material, radioactive sources, transport security, national capacity building, information security, transformation security, combatting illicit trafficking, nuclear security and safety, as well as inter- The Permanent Mission also facilinational cooperation. tates UAE participation in IAEA activities, such as the Working Group on Country Representatives preparing Radioactive Source Security, which the content of the Summit, known as held its 4th meeting in April 2015, servSherpas, meet in the interim to lead ing as a basis upon which to share the preparatory work for Nuclear Se- lessons learned from activities concurity Summits. In 2015, the Head of ducted on the security of radioactive the Permanent Mission, Ambassador sources, and programmes to improve Hamad Alkaabi, actively participated security of radioactive sources.
IAEA Committees In cooperation with the IAEA, the UAE participates in a list of IAEA Committees that specifically address issues of nuclear safety and security, including: • • • • • •
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the Commission on Safety Standards; Nuclear Safety Standards Committee; Radiation Safety Standards Committee; 2012 Nuclear Security Guidance Committee; International Nuclear Security Education Network; the Programme Committee for the Preparation of the Symposium on Nuclear Security in 2013; and the Emergency Preparedness and Response Standards Committee.
Photo: Head of States at the 2014 Nuclear Security Summit in The Hague, Netherlands, March 2014. 25
Furthermore, the Mission facilitated the participation of the UAE in the International Conference on Computer Security in a Nuclear World: Expert Discussion and Exchange, held at IAEA headquarters in Vienna, in June 2015. The Conference focused on the computer systems and networks that support nuclear facility operations, which include several non-standard information technology systems. The experience of the international community and its achievements to date in strengthening computer security in the framework of nuclear security were highlighted. New approaches and trends were also identified for the benefit of participating Member States.
Incident and Trafficking Database The UAE participates in the Incident and Trafficking Database (ITDB), which is the IAEA’s information system on incidents of illicit trafficking and other unauthorized activities and events involving nuclear and other radioactive material outside of regulatory control. The Permanent Mission facilitated the participation of the UAE regulator at the Point of Contact Meeting for the Incident and Trafficking Database in Vienna, in July 2015.
Import and Export Control
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano emphasizes the risk that nuclear or other radioactive material could be used in malicious acts at the Conference on Nuclear Security.
UAE Commitments to Safety and Security 1987: Convention on Early Notification of a Nuclear Accident 1987: Convention on Assistance in the Case of a Nuclear Accident or Radiological Emergency 2003: Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material 2009: Amendment to the Convention on the Physical Protection of Nuclear Material (CPPNME) 2009: Convention on Nuclear Safety 2009: Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and on the Safety of Radioactive Waste Management 2012: Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (as amended by the 1997 Protocol) 2012: Joint Protocol Relating to the Application of the Vienna Convention and the Paris Convention 2014: Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage
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The UAE Government endorsed the IAEA Code of Conduct on the revised Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources and its supplementary Guidance on the Import and Export of Radioactive Materials to develop and implement a nuclear security regime for radioactive material, associated facilities and activities in the Federal territory. UAE has submitted a report in relation to the Code of Conduct. national implementation.
Implementation of Safety and Security Standards at the National Level While setting standards is one part of seeking to ensure nuclear safety and security, the implementation of these standrads is imperative. Through relevant international instruments, IAEA publications and recommendations, the Permanent Mission supports a large number of activities that need to be implemented in the UAE. This is further enhanced through the Technical Cooperation programme which contributes with a large number of activities dedicated to safety, security, and capacity building in those areas. A prominent example in 2015 is the Permanent Mission’s support to relevant participants and experts to three main international conferences: the ‘International Conference on Computer Security in a Nuclear World’ from 1-5 June; the ‘International Conference on Operational Safety’ from 23-26 June, and the ‘International Conference on Global Emergency Preparedness and Response’ from 19-23 October. With the assistance of the IAEA, the UAE benefits from international best practices.
ty requirements for medical uses; Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material in the Oil and Gas Industry; Occupational Radiation Protection in Nuclear Facilities; as well as Radiation Protection and Regulatory Control for Consumer Products and Use of Radiation Sources for Inspection Purposes.
Activities on Nuclear Security
Vis-à-vis the Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plans, the UAE signed an Integrated Work Plan (featured in the section on ‘Working directly with the IAEA’, which aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the UAE-IAEA partnership in nuclear security.
To evaluate the UAE’s framework development under its nuclear power programme, also pinpointing security Activities on Safety aspects, the IAEA offers advisory and peer-review serAmong the 123 activities held in the UAE in 2015, were vices on nuclear security to Member States upon rethe National Workshop on the Implementation of the quest and has helped them to develop integrated plans IAEA International Basic Safety Standards held in Abu for nuclear security improvements and assistance. Dhabi, from The UAE has requested an IPPAS mission to be con1-3 June 2015, which introduced about 80 participants ducted in the UAE in 2016, preperations are underway. from the UAE’s various sectors to IAEA’s general safe-
Figure 1: UAE cooperation with IAEA supports the Nuclear Power Programme and covers comprehensively areas of nuclear energy, safety, security, safeguards, emergency preparedness and response, as well as nuclear education. 27
Evaluating Implementation of Safety and Security Standards
IAEA and international partners. Finally, to help evaluFor the high-level meetings, such as the Nuclear Se- ate the nuclear safety and security framework of the curity Summits, the Mission supports the preperation UAE, the country has received a number of IAEA peer of national progress reports. These reports also help to review missions, and will receive an IAEA Internationunderstand the implementation progress and to share it al Physical Protection Advisory Service mission and a with the international community. In addition, the UAE Pre-Operational Safety Review Team Mission in 2016. has provided its National Report to the United Nations 1540 Committee, as well as associated matrix, with up- “Strengthening nuclear security is dates having been provided to the UN 1540 Committee a priority in light of the expansion in 2014. To evaluate effective implementation of safety standards, the Permanent Mission supports delibirations and receives feedback at Review Meetings of the Safety Conventions to which the UAE is Party.
of the use of nuclear and radioactive materials globally, and taking into consideration the increased threat of nuclear terrorism. The UAE has taken multiple advanced steps to develop the required infrastructure and evaluate that all effective measures are in place to ensure nuclear security.�
The International Advisory Board (IAB) is another way of identifying potential weaknesses or potential areas for improvement in the nuclear safety and security framework. Comprising a highly select group of internationally recognized experts in the fields of nuclear safety and security, non-proliferation and the development of human resources, the Board provides important feedback on nuclear safety and security areas of the UAE nuclear power programme, among other aspects. Ambassador ~ H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Alkaabi provides breifings to an International Advisory UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA Board (IAB) twice a year in relation to the work with the
ISSAS mission team experts and FANR officials, Abu Dhabi, May 2014. 28
NON-PROLIFERATION
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Commitment to Pursing the Highest Standards of Non-Proliferation Nuclear non-proliferation is the limitation or secession of production or spread of nuclear weapons. From the outset of development of its nuclear power programme, the UAE has been committed to non-proliferation, as a key element of its Nuclear Policy Principles. The Permanent Mission has facilitated the UAE’s implementation of major international agreements in this area. The UAE is Party to all relevant agreements on non-proliferation and disarmament and takes active part in multilateral initiatives that promote these issues. Through the Permanent Mission the UAE is also engaged with IAEA in relation to implementation of relevant international obligations.
Global Non-Proliferation Regime Safeguards Implementation through the IAEA
The UAE delegation has also been active in promoting the effective and transparent implementation of IAEA safeguards to verify credibly that all nuclear material is used for peaceful purposes.
UAE through working with the IAEA ensures required measures are in place at the national level and are in Within the Board of Governors (a major policy-making line with the country’s commitment to non-proliferation. organ of the IAEA), the UAE also supports the Agency in addressing its challenges related to nuclear safeguards With regard to enhanced safeguards and in accordance and its implementation. Within this organ, the Mission’s with the IAEA Additional Protocol to the Safeguards diplomatic staff have been this heavily involved in deAgreement, the UAE strictly abides by the obligation to liberations on safeguards implementation and cases of provide information covering all aspects of nuclear ac- non-compliance. This includes drafting and discussing tivities, as well as the import of nuclear-related equip- resolutions and statements on this matter. ment and technology. Furthermore, the UAE grants expanded inspection rights to the IAEA and ensures that its administrative procedures will be streamlined for more effective communication with IAEA headquarters. The UAE does this through its Comprehesive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) with the IAEA, which it concluded in 2003, and ratification of the Additional Protocol (AP) in 2010. For the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and the Additional Protocol alone, all related reports have been submitted by the UAE on the declaration of materials and information on relevant sites and operational activities.
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A Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement (CSA) is a legally binding agreement that enables the IAEA to verify that all declared nuclear material in a State is not diverted to nuclear weapons or other nuclear explosive devices. The CSA’s Additional Protocol (AP) grants the IAEA complimentary legal authority with the aim of ensuring that all nuclear material and activities are for peaceful means.
Political Support to Non-Proliferation Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons The Permanent Mission plays a significant role in representing the Government’s voice through multilateral diplomacy on nuclear non-proliferation. This is the case through UAE’s engagement under international conventions and initiatives to which the UAE has subscribed. The Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) is legal framework that facilitates disarmament, and non-proliferation. It aims at preventing the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, to foster the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and to further the goal of disarmament. The NPT is reviewed every five years, with so-called Preparatory Committees that take place between the Review Conferences. The Permanent Mission played an important role in UAE participation in the 2010 and 2015 NPT Review Conferences. Since its establishment, the Permanent Mission has actively supported the UAE Government in presenting the Government’s commitments, policies and positions in the NPT Review process. In light of success of the 2010 NPT Review Conference, the Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI) was formed to promote the consensus outcomes of that conference and thus advance the agreed outcome. Within the NPT Review Cycle, the NPDI is working toward achieving nuclear disarmament and fostering an international non-proliferation regime, having proposed several concrete proposals to fulfill these objectives. The NPDI is a cross-regional, ministerial-level group founded by Australia, Canada, Chile, Germany, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Poland, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates in 2010, and later joined by Nigeria and the Philippines in 2013. Along with its NPDI partners, the UAE makes valuable contributions to the NPT Review Cycles, such as increasing the groups number of working papers and statements. This has also significantly increased the weight of the UAE’s contribution.
UAE Hosts NPDI Meeting in Abu Dhabi
On 22 January 2015, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) hosted a meeting for senior officials of the 12-member NPDI in Abu Dhabi, with the aim of preparing for the 2015 Review Conference of the NPT.
“With regards to the issue of nuclear disarmament, UAE considers that the total elimination of these weapons, as clearly called for by the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, is the only way to guarantee their non-use, including the threat of use.” ~ Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State
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The UAE delegation provided the Government’s views Other Initiatives through several national statements, as well as the joint-submission of various working papers relating to • Since the 2010 NPT Review Conference, the interdifferent aspects of nuclear disarmament, non-prolifernational community has refocused its attention on ation, and the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. the humanitarian dimension of and the risks associated with nuclear weapons. The Vienna Conference Leading up to the 2015 NPT Review Conference, which on the Humanitarian Impact of Nuclear Weapons, took place from 27 April to 22 May in New York, the Perwhich –after Oslo, Norway, and Nayarit, Mexico– manent Mission played an important role in its Review was the third of its kind, took place in December Cycle. At the 2015 Review Conference, the UAE reaf2014. The “Austrian (or Humanitarian) Pledge” irmed its national positions in key areas related to the refers to the commitment made by the endorsing NPT. States to transfer important facts and results from the Conference to various relevant international fora. It also calls on States that possess nuclear “We stress the importance that any weapons to take concrete interim measures to repeaceful nuclear energy programme duce the risk of nuclear weapon detonations.
is developed in a responsible and transparent manner, which adheres to comprehensive safeguards in full compliance with the IAEA, ensuring full verification. UAE underlines that it is important for countries developing nuclear energy programmes to take all necessary steps to ensure confidence and to address all concerns of the international community regarding the peaceful nature of their nuclear programmes.” ~ Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State
On 20 March 2015, the UAE Government announced its decision to endorse the Humanitarian Pledge for supporting international efforts in this important endeavour. •
In 2015, the Permanent Mission’s Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi has participated in other senior meetings addressing the challenges of non-proliferation, disarmament and verification. These meetings include exchanges at the International Partnership for Nuclear Disarmament Verification (IPNDV), which works to understand and solve monitoring and verification challenges across the nuclear weapons lifecycle.
Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, delivers national statement to the 2015 NPT Review Conference in New York, USA
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“We recognize the central role of the Agency and the importance of its Safeguards system as a verification mechanism, that ensures utilizing the valuable civil applications of nuclear technology, without endangering humanity to the severe consequences of nuclear proliferation.�
~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA, at the 56th IAEA General Conference
UAE contributes to Safeguards Analytical Laboratory The UAE through the Mission supports IAEA Safeguards Mandate and in ensuring that the Agency has the appropriate capability to carry out its mandate. To this endeavor, the UAE has contributed 1 Million USD to the project on upgrading the IAEA Safeguards Analytical Laboratories (SAL) in Seibersdorf. which has been designed to perform rapid, accurate analyses of nuclear material. The pledge was announced by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan during the Nuclear Security Summit 2012 in Seoul.
UAE Commitment to International Nuclear Non-Proliferation 1995: Treaty on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) 2000: Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) 2003: IAEA Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement 2009: IAEA Additional Protocol to Safeguards Agreement
Photo: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Al Nahyan attending the Nuclear Security Summit in Seoul, 2012 (Photo credit:WAM)
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Engagement with the CTBTO The UAE signed the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) in 1996 and ratified it in 2000. Since this Treaty has not yet entered into force, the UAE remains a State Signatory and a member of the Preparatory Commission of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), whose headquarters is in Vienna, Austria.
The relations between the Permanent Mission and the CTBTO have been consolidating since the establishment of the Mission in 2008. In addition to the Mission’s regular participation in Policy Making meetings, the CTBTO’s Executive Secretary made an official visit to the UAE for the first time in November 2014.
The UAE contributes to the Annual Budget of the CTBTO in order for the Organization to successfully build up the Treaty’s verification regime in preparation for its entry into force. The UAE also participates in the Sessions of the CTBTO’s Policy Making Organs.
From 11 to 13 November, Executive Secretary Mr. Lassina Zerbo met with the Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and discussed issues of mutual interest, as well as the UAE’s on-going cooperation with the Preparatory Commission.
“The UAE is a country that has been at the cutting edge of scientific and technological innovation. This opens a rich potential for cooperation with the CTBTO to use science and technology to make the world a safer place. I both share the dream of a world free of nuclear weapons and the conviction that ending nuclear weapon testing is key in achieving this goal.” ~ Lassina Zerbo, CTBTO Executive Secretary
Lassina Zerbo, CTBTO Executive Secretary (left) meets with H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan (right), UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi, November 2014 35
Following the official visit, the UAE’s Permanent Representative to the IAEA and CTBTO, Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, joined a group of high-level dignitaries to observe the largest simulated on-site inspection exercise ever undertaken by the CTBTO: the Integrated Field Exercise 2014 (IFE 2014). Taking place in Jordan, this full-scale simulation of an on-site inspection served as a significant step towards reaching major verification standards to test whether a nuclear explosion has taken place in a country. The group was familiarized with instruments used to detect traces of relevant radionuclides on and beneath the ground and in the air.
Ambassador Alkaabi (left) alongside Vienna-based Ambassadors at the IFE14 in Jordan.
CTBTO Activities in 2015
Throughout 2015, the UAE participated in major meetings of the CTBTO’s Policy Making Organs. These meetings concluded important decisions based on the consideration of States Signatories on budgetary, technical and organizational matters. They also highlighted the planned steps and activities for continued support in light of facilitating the entry into force of the Treaty. In 2015, from 22-26 June, UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi attended the CTBTO Science and Technology Conference, which included over 100 participants and scientists from around 70 countries. The aim of the Conference was to facilitate knowledge exchange and sharing of advances in monitoring and verification technologies relevant to the CTBT.
Exercises at the IFE14 in Jordan (Photo: CTBTO)
“The CTBT is an important tool for building mutual trust and confidence, which is needed to reduce the threat posed by nuclear weapons. When it comes to verification, the UAE recognizes the importance of the CTBT’s entry into force. ” ~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA & CTBTO 36
Working directly with the International Atomic Energy Agency
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Working directly with the International Atomic Energy Agency The UAE became a Member State of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in 1976. Since the country’s decision to develop nuclear power, work with the IAEA has become a major component in the successful development of the UAE’s nuclear energy programme. For this reason, the role of the Permanent Mission is particularly valuable in sustaining and strengthening this close partnership. Cooperation between the UAE and the IAEA can be seen through three main channels: • IAEA support in the development of the nuclear power and non-power applications; • IAEA evaluation of the progress of the nuclear power programme through review missions; • UAE contribution to the work of the IAEA.
Figure 2: Areas of UAE and IAEA cooperation focus mainly on nuclear energy.
Framework of UAE Cooperation with IAEA UAE cooperation with IAEA is guided by the Country Programme Framework (CPF), which highlights priority development needs and interests. The CPF was developed jointly by the UAE Permanent Mission, national stakeholders and IAEA TC Department. It was signed in 2011 and covers cooperation areas between the two entities for the period 2012-2016. 38
The document is of strategic value as it provides a concise framework for all UAE technical cooperation with the IAEA, covering both nuclear and non-nuclear power applications based on national development needs.
The UAE Country Profile Framework was signed during the visit of Mr. Kwaku Aning, former Deputy Director General - Head of the Technical Department at the IAEA, to the UAE, in December 2011. This was one of several high-level visits from IAEA to the UAE, supported by the Permanent Mission since its establishment. During his visit, the DDG met with national stakeholders collaborating with the IAEA on various nuclear issues. Additionally, he attended the opening session of the Integrated Regulatory Review Service (see IAEA peer review section below), as well as the opening of the International Conference on “the Use of X-ray and related Techniques in Arts and Cultural Heritage” hosted at the American University of Sharjah. Finally, Mr. Aning also visited the National X-Ray Centre for Material Analysis (see Success Stories on page 50).
Signing of the CPF agreement between Mr. Kwaku Aning, former IAEA Deputy Director General (left) and UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi (right), December 2011
“The UAE is at the forefront of countries developing new nuclear energy programmes. The IAEA supports the UAE goverment’s efforts through multiple ongoing technical cooperation projects. The UAE’s experience is important for the Agency and can be considered as a model for other countries aimed at developing new nuclear energy programmes.” ~ Mr. Kwaku Aning, Former Deputy Director General, Head of the Technical Cooperation Department, IAEA
IAEA visits to the UAE consolidate the country’s commitment to its Nuclear Policy principles, and strengthens close collaboration with IAEA while highlighting national achievements resulting from it. The UAE TC programme was renowned by IAEA officials as one of the most successful technical cooperation programmes in the region, scoring some of the highest implementation rates since 2013.
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Integrated Work Plan A more robust coordination among different IAEA departments is crucial to provide support for the development of the UAE nuclear power programme in an integrated manner. For this purpose, the UAE Permanent Mission joined efforts with all IAEA departments as well as national stakeholders of the nuclear power programme, to develop an Integrated Work Plan (IWP) for the period 2013 – 2017. The Plan includes supporting activities in 19 infrastructure areas which constitute the Agency’s standards for the development of nuclear power. This support is delivered by all IAEA departments, through the Technical Cooperation department and the Permanent Mission. Up to date, more than 56 activities have been implemented under this Plan. Central to this successful cooperation is the Permanent Mission supportive role, being the National Liaison Office, which acts as the official liaison channel between UAE entities and the IAEA on all nuclear matters.
Since its development in 2013, the IWP is reviewed yearly and updated to accomodate evolving needs of the UAE nuclear power programme. In April 2015, the 3rd annual coordination meeting was held in Vienna. At the meeting, representatives from UAE institutions and IAEA technical experts reviewed the progress achieved in 2014 in developing nuclear power infrastructure. Successful implementaton: The number of activities implemented under the UAE IWP had tripled in 2014 in comparison to the previous year with more than 70% of the work plan implemented. IWP implementation rate in 2015 was similar, with 23 activities already concluded by December.
The IWP provides a framework for several IAEA peer review missions, and other activities to implement resulting recommendations. The IWP, signed in June 2013, provides a comprehensive framework for IAEA support that meets, in an integral way, the UAE needs leading up to the date of operation of its first nuclear power plant.
Figure 3: Implementation of UAE IWP has been improving steadily since 2013. This collaboration with IAEA is in parallel to increased efforts locally (mainly at FANR and ENEC) with other partners and institutions also supporting the development of the NPP.
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Under the IWP, important activities are benchmarked, major ones being the IAEA Peer Review Missions to the UAE. Since 2011, the UAE has received six peer review missions, with additional missions planned under the framework of IWP. • • • •
INIR (January 2011) IRRS (December 2011) ISSAS (May 2014) IRRS follow-up (Feb 2015)
• • • •
EPREV (March 2015) ORPAS (November 2015) Pre-OSART (planned in Q1, 2016) IPPAS (planned in Q3, 2016)
IAEA Peer Review Missions “We find IAEA peer review missions valuable and encourage Receiving IAEA peer reviews reflects UAE commitment to the elements of the Nuclear Policy. In Member States to utilize preparation for these missions, the Permanent Mission acts as Liaison between the IAEA and national peer review services to stakeholders, thereby facilitating all arrangements. strengthen their national In 2015, three IAEA peer review missions were successfully completed. nuclear infrastructure.” The UAE requests Peer Review Missions from the IAEA to assess the country’s nuclear power programme development based on international standards and provide relevant recommendations when needed.
All reports from these review missions are available publicly on the Mission website: www.uae-iaea.org ~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent
Representative to the IAEA
Photo:42 Site visit during the INIR mission at Barakah nuclear power plant, January 2011
2015 Hosted Peer Reviews Integrated Regulatory Review Service follow-up Mission
IAEA Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) mission, which examined the UAE’s progress in preparing the necessary response measures in the event of a nuThe International Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) clear emergency at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant mission plays a crucial role in assisting the UAE in (NPP). building an appropriate regulatory infrastructure. Conclusion: The EPREV team identified strengths in areas such as the UAE’s clear definition of roles and The Mission: From 31 January to 8 February, the UAE responsibilities of the organizations that would manage nuclear regulatory authority hosted an IRRS follow-up nuclear emergencies, as well as significant progress in mission to review the regulatory framework for nuclear the development of facilities and capabilities to handle safety and radiation protection in the country. An inter- the medical response. national team of eleven senior safety experts met with officials of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation Occupational Radiation Protection Ap(FANR) and other relevant organizations contributing to nuclear safety to review the progress and achieve- praisals Service Mission ments made after the first IRRS mission in the UAE in The IAEA also concluded an assessment and evaluation of occupational radiation protection programs in 2011. Conclusion: The UAE regulator was commended for the UAE. successfully addressing the recommendations and suggestions made to improve its nuclear safety infra- The Mission: The Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (ORPAS) Mission was conducted structure. from 1 to 5 November 2015. It covered radiation protection programmes in several entities in the nuclear power programme (FANR, ENEC), as well as in aviation, dosimetry, medical and industrial end users. Conclusion: The mission was instrumental in providing the UAE with an objective assessment of the provisions for occupational radiation protection; identifying areas where performances should be improved to meet international standards; and providing recommendations on actions to be taken to achieve such improvements. Strengths in which the UAE is unique, as well as good practices were also identified. Group photo of the IRRS follow-up mission team and FANR officials, January-February 2015
Emergency Preparedness Review Mission
The UAE’s emergency response plan involves coordinated efforts from various national entities to finalize and test all emergency preparation and response measures before the first nuclear fuel arrives at the NPP. The Mission: From 21 to 31 March 2015, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) received the
Group photo of the ORPAS mission team and FANR officials, November 2015 43
Previous Missions
INIR mission team and FANR officials, January 2011
Group photo of the ISSAS mission team and FANR officials, May 2014
2011
2014
The UAE has previously received a number of IAEA Review Missions. The first was an Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission which was hosted in January 2011, followed by an Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission in December of the same year.
In the area of safeguards, the UAE hosted an IAEA Safeguard’s Advisory Service (ISSAS) Mission in May 2014.
Conclusion: The mission team concluded that the UAE is implementing its obligations, including reportConclusion: After both missions, IAEA experts expressed ing of import and export of nuclear material, specific their satisfaction with the UAE’s understanding of long- equipment and non-nuclear material. Based on its term responsibilities in developing nuclear power and the commitment to transparency, the UAE has made pubspeed with which it had built its regulatory framework. lic all of its review mission reports.
“The INIR Mission was conducted in a cooperative and open atmosphere, with the participation of the various organizations in the UAE involved in the introduction of nuclear power. The team concluded that the development of the UAE’s nuclear infrastructure is progressing well and in line with the IAEA’s guidelines.” ~ Jong Kyun Park, the INIR Mission Leader, Director of the IAEA Nuclear Power Division 44
Preparatory Missions The Permanent Mission also facilitates preparatory missions for peer reviews. An example was the preparatory mission for the Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (Pre-ORPAS) in September 2014. The mission highlighted national needs for the scope of a full ORPAS mission to be held next year with the UAE regulatory body, service providers, medical facilities, and other stakeholders of the nuclear energy programme. The team determined the feasibility, scope and terms of reference for a full potential ORPAS mission.
“The IAEA delegation would like to thank the UAE Government for providing us with the opportunity to visit Barakah and assess the development of the project. We are very satisfied with the quality of the information we have received.� ~ IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano
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IAEA Director General Official Visit The highest level of endorsement to UAE’s model cooperation with IAEA was highlighted by the visit of the IAEA’s Director General Yukiya Amano in January 2013. The official visit provided an opportunity to view the country’s first Nuclear Power Plant construction site at Barakah. Mr. Amano met with the UAE Foreign Minister, H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al Nahyan, to discuss present and potential areas of cooperation.
“The UAE’s safe and consistent progress in the introduction of nuclear power can serve as a model for other countries considering a nuclear power programme.”
The Director General’s praised the UAE’s successful and transparent efforts in developing its programme.
~ Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General
IAEA’s Director General Yukiya Amano with CEO of ENEC and Ambassador Alkaabi at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant construction site, January 2013
IAEA’s Director General Yukiya Amano meets with ENEC Officials at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant construction site, January 2013 46
IAEA Technical Assistance to the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme
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Technical Cooperation Programme with the IAEA What is Technical Cooperation?
UAE TC portfolio for 2016-2017:
The IAEA’s Technical Cooperation (TC) programme is the main structure through which the IAEA provides assistance to Member States on safe and secure applications of nuclear energy and related technologies via a combination of specialised technical and development competencies.
In addition to carrying forward two TC projects from this cycle, the UAE will embark in 2016 on a set of five new national projects, in addtion to four within ARASIA, and one within the GCC.
UAE TC Programmes: The UAE has benefitted from the IAEA’s TC programme since 1977, to develop and advance the country’s capacity in the peaceful application of nuclear science and technology. This cooperation has exacerbated with the development of the UAE’s nuclear power programme in 2008. Projects focusing on the development of infrastructure and Human Resources for nuclear energy constitute the largest part of the UAE Technical Cooperation programmes with IAEA since 2010, both in terms of funding and number of activities.
How is TC delivered? Through national, regional and interregional projects in a wide range of fields, the TC programme supplies the UAE with training and education, fellowships, scientific visits, expert advice and equipment, and contributes to the achievement of national development priorities. TC programmes are developed every two years (TC cycle).
UAE TC portfolio for 2015 The UAE’s TC porforlio for 2015 consisted of seven national projects, four regional projects within ARASIA, and additional participation in several interregional TC projects. In addition to supporting the development of the nuclear power programme, the UAE technical cooperation with IAEA focused on enhancing areas of environmental monitoring and protection, radioactive waste management, patient radiation safety and dosimetry. Regional cooperation efforts were particularly dedicated towards strengthening nuclear medicine to fight non-communicable diseases, combatting desertification, evaluating air pollutants, and assessing ground water quality.
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In total the TC portfolio for 2016-2017 will include seven national and five regional TC projects, with continued focus on nuclear power and other current areas of cooperation, but also new ones such as: preparedness and response for nuclear and radiological emergencies, radiation transport and waste safety, and Cancer management. High Quality Standard Projects The UAE Permanent Mission works closely with national stakeholders and IAEA to ensure that the TC programme fullfil the Agency’s quality standards and criteria, in all phases of the projects: design, implementation and evaluation. In 2015, the UAE Permanent Mission coordinated finalization of new project designs for the upcoming cycle 2016-2017, through organizing a Workshop on Logical Framework Approach, in March in Vienna. The workshop brought together national counterparts and IAEA technical officers and TC Programme Cycle management experts, and allowed completion of the designs in accordance with IAEA’s quality standards and criteria. Furthermore, the Mission strengthens the process of implementation and evaluation of TC projects using IAEA’s monitoring tools such as Project Progress Assessment Reports (PPAR).
The UAE also plans a Field Monitoring Mission in January 2016 to strengthen counterpart’s abilities in monitoring and evaluation of TC projects, according to IAEA standards.
High-level Technical Cooperation visits to UAE The UAE Technical Cooperation programme stands out as a model, and its success is highlighted through several visits by IAEA management and experts. The Permanent Mission facilitates and partakes in those visits to foster close collaboration with national counterparts.
IAEA Delegation headed by Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Director of Technical Cooperation for Asia and the Pacific (center left), make first official visit in May 2015, to UAE to observe and assess the overall impact of TC projects on nuclear energy, health, soil and water management, and environment in the country.
IAEA Programme Management Officer of UAE TC programme, Ms. Marina Mishar (center right), visits UAE to review the implementation of national TC projects underway. 49
Success Stories
Success Stories The Permanent Mission channels the IAEA technical support to the UAE addressing the nuclear power programme and other national needs, and leveraging new opportunities. Technical cooperation enabled UAE to sustainably expand infrastructure and human resources in the nuclear energy sector as well as for material analysis, dosimetry, waste management, environmental monitoring, agriculture, water management and medical applications. A number of success stories showcase the beneficial impact that TC projects have had on the national level in various sectors.
Development of National Nuclear Power Infrastructure for Electricity Generation
IAEA Nuclear Energy Management School participants and IAEA TC delegation visit the simulator room at Barakah Nuclear Power Plant site, May 2015 Among the prominent achievements of the Technical Cooperation projects have been two completed projects supporting the Development of National Nuclear Power Infrastructure for Electricity Generation in the UAE. Together they contributed to the delivery of technical assistance and expertise to stakeholders of the programme, such as FANR, ENEC, KU and others.
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Students of the UAE Nuclear Engineering programme.
Success Stories His Highness Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasami (center) inaugurates The Centre for Material Analysis in Sharjah, UAE
First X-Ray Centre for Material Analysis in the UAE Another success was highlighted with the completion of the project on “Enhancing Analytical Capabilities for Environmental and Archaeological Applications�, supported by the Permanent Mission. As a result of the project, the first X-ray Centre for Material Analysis, a state-of the-art national facility, was established at the University of Sharjah and completed in 2014. The Centre is already operational and provides services in material analysis related to several applications in forensics, archaeology, art, pollution, and industry.
The Centre provides technical capabilities for measurements of archaelogical samples within the UAE 51
Success Stories UAE Ambassador Alkaabi (right center) visits the construction site of the SSDL at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, September 2014
Establishment of the first Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory in UAE The Permanent Mission has a leading role in managing UAE Technical Cooperation with IAEA. Another major achievement of this cooperation on the national level, was the establishment of the Secondary Standards Dosimetry Laboratory (SSDL), which is near completion at the campus of the Khalifa University for Research, Science and Technology. Planned to begin operation next year, the SSDL will supply accurate calibrations to the domestic end-users of radiation measurement instruments in various sectors such as: nuclear industry, non-nuclear industry, the medical sector, as well as research and training. Construction of the SSDL at Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, September 2014
The establishment in the UAE, of both the SSDL and X-Ray Centre for material analysis allows the provision of services locally, which is more time and cost effective for all end-users. 52
Success Stories IAEA Workshop on CT Beam at the American Hospital of Dubai under the Dubai Health Authority, 2013
Enhancing the use of Radiation in Healthcare A fourth area of success, highlighting national improvement through IAEA TC support is the use of radiation in health care (diagnostic radiology, nuclear medicine, radiation therapy). The UAE PM collaborated closely with national health authorities and IAEA to improve the quality of health care services provided to meet global standards. Through both national and regional TC projects, the UAE was able to develop capacities in paediatric and adult do- Group photo: IAEA experts and ARASIA participants, including the UAE stakesimetry and radiation dose reduction. holders at the regional workshop on QUANUM practices in Vienna, 2013
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UAE contribution to the IAEA As the first country in 27 years to start the construction • hosting IAEA international conferences; of a first nuclear power plant, the UAE has served as a • participating in policy-making; and model of a newcomer country. It shares its experience • providing financial contribution to the Agency. with other countries, namely related to developing nuclear power programme based on IAEA standards and Experts from the UAE contribute to IAEA guidance. The UAE contributes to the work of the IAEA through: meetings and review missions to other • sharing its experience and best practices in develcountries. oping nuclear power programme in accordance with IAEA standards and guidance;
UAE Shares Best Practices at the IAEA The UAE is seen by the IAEA as an Development of Nuclear Power Inexemplary model of a country re- frastructure’. sponsibly and efficiently developing • In 2014, Ambassador Alkaabi a nuclear power programme. For presented the UAE model and this reason, the UAE contribution emphasized that its approach regarding its experience during was based on the IAEA Milemeetings is highly valuable to other stones guidance, as well as Member States. consideration of the global challenges of nuclear safety Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE that had been raised since the Permanent Representative to the Fukushima Daiichi accident. IAEA continuously contributes to the Agency’s annual ‘Technical • The ninth meeting in February Meeting on Topical Issues in the 2015 addressed the challenges
UAE Ambassador Alkaabi joins the panel at the INIR side event held on the sidelines of the IAEA 57th General Conference, 2013 54
and common issues surrounding nuclear infrastructure development. In that respect Ambassador Alkaabi, briefed newcomer and expanding nuclear power States on progress made in this area in the UAE. • Additional contributions were made by the UAE’s nuclear regulator FANR and operator ENEC, during participation in the ‘Consultancy Meeting on Regulatory Assessment of Physical Protection Systems’ from 2 to 6 February 2015.
UAE best practices are widely shared with IAEA Member States in the areas of programme development in emerging nuclear newcomer countries, especially regarding capacity building and nuclear human resource development, stakeholder and public engagement.
The UAE Permanent Mission, acting as National Liaison Office to the Agency, has supported contribution of more than 141 experts from the UAE to IAEA activities since 2011. In recent years, the number of women and Emirati experts providing this support is increasing. UAE Ambassador Alkaabi joins the panel at the IAEA’s annual meeting on Nuclear Infrastructutre Development, February 2013
Amassador Hamad Alkaabi shares UAE experience at IAEA workshops and meetings highlighting challenges, best practices and success stories. The UAE hosted an ‘International Conference on Human Resources Development and Expanding Nuclear Power Programmes’ in 2010 in Abu Dhabi. This conference was the first of its kind and, through the Permanent Mission’s support, received extensive participation and was an instrumental platform for discussion on human resources development.
The UAE also shared its experience during the second ‘International Conference on Human Resources Development for Nuclear Power Programmes: Building and Sustaining Capacity’, held in May 2014, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna. The Conference reviewed achievements in the field for the last five years and since the 2010 meeting.
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UAE Contributes to Policy Making Organs of IAEA “The UAE has been working in close cooperation with the IAEA and has followed IAEA guidance, policies and procedures to develop its national nuclear programme. The UAE’s Nuclear Policy continues to guide our work in a transparent and committed manner where the IAEA is a close partner in the programme.” ~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA
Through its dedicated Permanent Mission in Vienna, the UAE government closely collaborates with the IAEA in various fora, including its Policy Making Organs such as the General Conference (GC) and Board of Governors (BOG).
IAEA General Conference Each year, the Permanent Mission supports the UAE • During the course of the GC, Ambassador Alkaabi delegation to the highest policy making organ of the delivered a national statement, hosted a series of biIAEA, its annual General Conference. The Mission lateral meetings with other delegations to strengthplays a central role during the General Conference by en nuclear cooperation, and featured an exhibition participating in negotiations, adoption of resolutions, to showcase the UAE’s nuclear power programme. and takes the opportunity to strengthen bilateral cooperation. • On 15 September, the UAE’s nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), The UAE partook in the IAEA’s 59th General Conference signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the (GC), in September 2015. During the GC, the 14-member Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). UAE delegation, headed by Ambassador Hamad AlkaaOn the same day, FANR renewed an arrangement to bi, participated in the work of the Conference throughcooperate on nuclear safety matters through signout the week of 14 to 18 September, at the IAEA Heading a five-year arrangement with the United States’ quarters in Vienna. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).
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The UAE delegation met with the IAEA Director General, as well as the Directors of the IAEA’s Departments of Nuclear Safety and Security, Nuclear Energy, Safeguards, and Technical Cooperation to discuss the country’s progress in the development of its nuclear power programme, as well as the scope of future collaboration.
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In addition, Ambassador Alkaabi gave a speech at the forum ‘Women in All Things Nuclear’, to highlight the important role that women play in the highly skilled nuclear workforce in the UAE. At this point, he noted that 21% of the UAE nuclear operator’s highly skilled staff comprises women, which is more than the global average.
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Ambassador Alkaabi also joined the panel on Multilateral Approaches to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: The IAEA Fuel Bank, which was inaugurated in August 2015, and which the UAE supported both politically and financially from the outset.
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Bilateral meeitng between the UAE delegation and Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General on the sidelines of the 59th General Conference in Vienna, September 2015
UAE Ambassador speaks at the ‘Women in All Things Nuclear’side event held in conjunction with IAEA 59th General Conference in Vienna, September 2015
In addition, Senior officials of FANR joined the Senior Regulator’s Forum to exchange information on current regulatory issues and trends.
UAE Ambassador speaks at the side event on Nuclear Fuel Cycle held in conjunction with IAEA 59th General Conference in Vienna, September 2015
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Board of Governors Alongside the General Conference (GC), the Board of Governors (BoG) is a major policy-making organ of the IAEA. This important organ is crucial in determining the agency’s path in all IAEA programmes and on budgetary issues. In its five ordinary meetings per year, the BoG discusses and examines issues and takes decisions in relation to IAEA’s programme, obligations and budget. The UAE has supported the IAEA and facilitated the delivery of UAE government’s principle through drafting statements and resolutions on security, safety, and budget as well as on cases of non-compliance. Since its establishment in 2008, the Permanent Mission has represented the UAE as a Member of the IAEA’s Board of Governors for two cycles. The UAE held a seat on the Board of Governors from 2010 until 2012, and from 2013 to 2015. The UAE Permanent Mission has contributed to these
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meetings through active participation, and the delivery of national statements on issues such as nuclear safety, technical cooperation, nuclear safeguards, security, among others. It additionally has supported the adoption of budgetary proposals recommended by the Programme and Budget Committee, in line with its national interests.
Since its establishment, the Permanent Mission plays a key role in representing the UAE Governemnt at the IAEA Board of Governors.
Financial Support to IAEA The UAE provides continuous contribution to the Agen- covering their arrangements. In addition to the UAE’s cy’s Regular Budget, as well as Technical Cooperation contribution of USD $1 million to the IAEA Safeguards Fund which is dedicated to financing TC projects. Addi- Analytical Laboratories (SAL). tional voluntary contribution includes dispatching costThe UAE made USD 10 million contribution to free experts to IAEA activities, and ‘In-Kind’ support, through facilitating several events hosted locally and the IAEA’s Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel
bank.
IAEA LEU fuel bank The Permanent Mission is engaged in the development Since this project’s inception, the UAE has continued to of multilateral initiatives in critical areas, such as the support the development of the LEU bank through the multilateral fuel assurance initiatives. financial contribution of USD $10 million and through political backing. The Mission contributes to working As such, the UAE supported and helped develop the with donor countries and the IAEA to move the compleproposal to establish an IAEA Low Enriched Urani- tion and operation of the LEU Bank forward. um (LEU) fuel bank in 2010. The fuel bank constitutes a physical reserve of nuclear fuel based in one IAEA In August 2015, the UAE delegation partook in the inauMember State. guration ceremony of the LEU Bank in Kazakhstan – the hosting IAEA Member State for the fuel bank.
UAE Delegation head H.E. Ahmed Juma Al Za’abi, Deputy Minister for Presidential Affairs (left) and Mr. Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General (right) at the signing ceremony of LEU Fuel Bank host agreement in Kazakhstan, August 2015 (Photo: WAM)
The IAEA LEU fuel bank is an essential step towards the establishment of a network of reliable multilateral fuel assurance mechanisms, including multiple services related to the front and back end of the fuel cycle. 59
UAE participates in IAEA Committees and Commissions Throughout 2014 and 2015, the UAE contributed further • the Nuclear Safety Standards Committee (NUSSC); to the Agency’s work through active participation on • the Radiation Safety Standards Committee (RASSC); IAEA committees and working groups that deal with • the Technical Working Group on Nuclear Power Insafety and security issues, among others. frastructure; • the Programme Committee for the Preparation of the Symposium on Nuclear Security in 2013; Through the Permanent Mission coordination and support, the UAE participates in the following IAEA Com- • the Steering Committee on Competence of Human mittees, Commissions, and meetings on nuclear safety Resources for Regulatory Body; and security: • INPRO Steering Committee; • 2012 Nuclear Security Guidance Committee (NSGC); • the Commission on Safety Standards (CSS); • INSEN (International nuclear security education • meetings of the IAEA Fukushima Comprehensive network); Report Working Groups; • ITDB (use of the Illicit trafficking database); • Informal Working Group meetings of the Convention • EPReSC (Emergency preparedness and response on Nuclear Safety; standards committee – member since 2015); • International Experts’ Meetings addressing safety • Standing Advisory Group on Nuclear Energy (SAissues in the aftermath of the Fukushima Daiichi acGNE). cident; • Senior Regulators Meetings; Plenary of Board of Governors, IAEA Headquarters
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Developing Partnerships with the Governments and Firms of Responsible Nations 62
“The UAE aspires to develop any peaceful domestic nuclear power capability in partnership with countries and firms of responsible nations, as well as with the assistance of appropriate expert organizations.� ~ UAE Nuclear Policy
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Developing partnerships with the Governments and firms of responsible nations In light of guidance and expertise acquisition, the UAE has engaged in bilateral and regional agreements and arrangements to strengthen its nuclear power programme. The UAE recognizes the importance of learning from the experiences of responsible nations in relation to nuclear power. UAE concludes 9 bilateral agreements 2008: France 2009: United States 2009: Republic of Korea 2010: United Kingdom 2012: Australia 2012: Canada 2012: Russian Federation 2013: Japan 2013: Argentina
Bilateral Cooperation lic of Korea (2009), United Kingdom (2010), Australia (2012), Canada (2012), Russian Federation (2012), Japan (2013), and Argentina (2013). On 20 November 2015, an Administrative Arrangement between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the UAE and the Australian Safeguards and Non-Proliferation OfArrangement between the fice, pursuant to the bilaterUAE - Australia, November 2015 al agreement between the The UAE has concluded a number of nuclear cooperation agreements two Governments signed in 2012, in order to support its civil nuclear was concluded. The Administrative power programme. To date, 9 bilat- Agreement allows for Australian eral agreements have been signed uranium exports to the UAE for the with the following countries: France UAE’s nuclear power programme. (2008), United States (2009), Repub- During the IAEA annual General 64
Conferences, a number of bilateral meetings are held to discuss cooperation under bilateral agreements with the respective countries. Often, the meetings are important for following up on joint initiatives or forging future areas of cooperation within the scope of these agreements. During the 2015 General Conference, two additional agreements of cooperation were concluded with the UAE: (1) a Memorandum of Understanding between FANR and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI), and (2) the fiveyear renewal of an arrangement between FANR and the United States’ Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Regional and Interregional Technical Cooperation The Permanent Mission coordinates UAE’s regional and interregional collaboration through the IAEA Technical Cooperation programme. Within ARASIA, the UAE works with IAEA on a number of issues, including studying air pollution, enhancing nuclear medicine to fight non-communicable diseases, and also to address issues of seawater intrusion, and deterioration of groundwater quality. This cooperation particularly helps combat desertification in the region by rehabilitating salt-affected farms via innovative research on ‘alternate crop production systems’ for food, feed (animal food), and fuel. The Permanent Mission also facilitates hosting a number of regional trainings and meetings. Health Authorities, the University of Sharjah, and The International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) have been active hosts to regional events in recent years, including TC Fellowships and scientific visits.
UAE hosts an IAEA workshop on Regulatory Oversight of Commissioning and Operation in Abu Dhabi, May 2014
Signing of the Practical Arrangement between the IAEA TC and ICBA, March 2015
The IAEA concluded a Practical Arrangement with ICBA in the UAE in 2015, to consolidate further cooperation with the Centre in terms of technology transfer and capacity building. The Centre is already providing valuable expertise and support in various cross-cutting areas such as salinity, land/soil and water management.
Practical Arrangement calls for an “exchange of data of mutual interest and relevance,” thereby facilitating the work conducted by the respective institutions. 65
Commitment to Complete Operational Transparency
“Since the UAE nuclear programme was planned in 2008, the IAEA was involved. We have been cooperating with UAE in the planning of the project, capacity building of engineers and other required expertise. Even after the completion of the project, we will continue cooperation with the UAE to help to ensure the highest level of safety, operation and emergency preparedness, handling of the waste and other assistance, if needed.� ~ Yukiya Amano, IAEA Director General 66
Commitment to Complete Operational Transparency One key element in the UAE nuclear power programme is the country’s compliance with complete operational transparency. The UAE recognizes that this commitment is essential to gain domestic support and assure the international community, bilateral partners, and international nuclear supervisory bodies of the peaceful intentions of the programme. The UAE achieves this goal through both outreach initiatives and by welcoming continuous international expert evaluations of its programme. In particular, the Permanent Mission has played a key role in briefing the IAEA on the UAE’s plans since the inception of its nuclear power programme, and through its development to date. The Permanent Mission meets with all IAEA Departments regularly to facilitate visits for evaluation and feedback, and to support on-going cooperation.
International Advisory Board The International Advisory Board (IAB) was specifically established to ensure the principle of transparency at the highest level. The IAB consists of a team of globally recognized experts in nuclear science, non-proliferation, regulatory affairs, regulatory operations, waste management, human resource development, and related fields. Twice a year, the Permanent Mission, through Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, briefs the IAB during meetings that review the progress of the UAE’s programme.
The Board looks at development of the UAE nuclear power programme in the key areas of safety, security, non-proliferation, transparency, and sustainability and has to date been satisfied with the rapid and efficient manner in which the country is establishing its first nuclear power project. Recommendations are also provided by the Board for strengthening the UAE programme. The IAB publically publishes its reports with highlighted recommendations.
The IAB’s 11th and 12th meetings took place in Abu Dhabi from 15 -16 March and11 October 2015. In those meetings the Board endorsed the proactive diplomacy and dedication of the Permanent Mission in Vienna in facilitating the lucrative cooperation between the UAE Government and the international community, in addition to relevant stakeholders.
“The IAEA has been well briefed throughout the years on the UAE approach to nuclear power and the ongoing dialogue between the UAE and the IAEA has been of great mutual benefit.” ~ IAB 9th semi-annual report IAB semi-annual meeting in Abu Dhabi
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Also to support the approach of international expert assessments, the UAE invites IAEA peer review missions, as mentioned above. These missions enable a group of experts to focus on incremental aspects of the UAE’s nuclear power programme and provide recommendations, in addition to highlighting strengths of the
programme. Reports from missions in the UAE such as the Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review and the Integrated Regulatory Review Service have been made public, in light of compliance with operational transparency.
Permanent Mission Activities and Outreach The Permanent Mission has been active in reaching out to the general public with information on activities in the development of the UAE’s nuclear power programme. The UAE programme is now publicized across a large domain of social networks and the Internet.
Website The Permanent Mission’s public website is a major source of information on UAE’s nuclear energy programme and international cooperation for all nuclear matters. Launched in 2013, and upgraded in December 2015, the website’s interactive design guides visitors through the content and provides in-depth information on the programme. The website offers readers a series of thematic Fact Sheets and newsletters covering different aspects of the UAE’s nuclear energy programme and cooperation with the international community. New sections have been introduced such as expert interviews, integrated social media, insightful overview into the UAE-IAEA Technical Cooperation programme, timeline of the UAE-IAEA cooperation, and much more.
Social Media The Permanent Mission has tapped into a variety of social media mechanisms. Since 2012, the Mission became active on media platforms such as Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram. In 2014, the Permanent Mission joined Flickr, an online photo management and sharing website through which it now shares its stories with a broad audience via images. These initiatives allow the public to remain informed of the latest activities and events of the Permanent Mission and its role in the development of nuclear energy in the UAE. 68
Mission website address: www.uae-iaea.org
Outreach The Permanent Mission takes the lead in setting up an annual exhibition that showcases the UAE nuclear power programme and progress made in different thematic areas during the IAEA General Conference in Vienna. In the past four years, a week-long exhibition entitled “UAE Nuclear Power Programme: A Model for Peaceful Nuclear Energy,” presented the path by which the UAE decided to embark on a nuclear power programme and its progress for developing the programme based on best international standards. Since the first exhibition launched in 2012, UAE’s exhibit has been open to over 3,000 delegates from IAEA Member States each year. Visitors have included delegates participating in the General Conference, NGOs, media representatives, IAEA staff members, and many others. In 2015, the Permanent Mission continued this endeavour and expanded further networking activities with IAEA delegates attending the 59th General Conference from 14-18 September, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, Austria.
UAE exhibition during the 58th IAEA General Conference, 2014
UAE Delegation to the 59th IAEA General Conference, 2015
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The Permanent Mission Head, Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, participates at the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conferences, which take place in Washington, D.C., every two years. At the 2015 Conference, Ambassador Alkaabi took part in a panel discussion on the future global standards for nuclear cooperation. The Conference was organized by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and addressed emerging trends in nuclear non-proliferation, disarmament, deterrence, and nuclear energy. It brought together over 800 experts and officials from more than 45 countries and international organizations. The UAE also speaks openly about its nuclear power programme and the elements therein at national forums and events. From 20-22 January 2015, the UAE hosted a nuclear energy briefing in Abu Dhabi, which focused on a series of presentations and discussions with experts from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. The objective of this three-day event was to exchange knowledge, experience and challenges in the nuclear sector, specifically in the areas of nuclear safety, nuclear security, radioactive waste management, nuclear liability and legal framework, as well as human resource development and capacity building. n 1 June 2015, Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi gave a lecture on the UAE’s Nuclear Policy at the National Defense College (NDC) in Abu Dhabi. With the attendance of 36 students, the Ambassador elaborated on Nuclear Policy related issues. to the military challenges that derive from the introduction of nuclear weapons to the arsenal of States. The National Defense College aims at preparing senior military and civilian officers.
UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi speaks at Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference, March 2015
UAE Ambassador Alkaabi speaks at the nuclear energy briefing in Abu Dhabi, January 2015
UAE Ambassador Alkaabi (far right) joins the panelists at the 4th European Union Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Conference in Brussels, Belgium, November 2015 UAE Ambassador Alkaabi delivers a lecture at the National Defense College in Abu Dhabi, June 2015 70
UAE Supports Project on Nuclear Journalism In light of supporting journalism that covers nuclear issues, the UAE Government awarded a grant to Atomic Reporters and the Vienna Centre for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP) for a project to enhance nuclear journalism in the region. The grant supports training and networking workshops on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation for senior journalists from countries of the Middle East. The aim of the UAE is to enhance journalistic understanding and coverage
of complex nuclear issues, and therefore allow related activities to be accurately reported and shared with the international community. The training focused on the history of nuclear non-proliferation and its technological aspects, and covered major issues related to nuclear security, safety, weapons of mass destruction and non-proliferation measures. Two workshops have been held so far in Vienna, upon completion of the project.
Participants in the workshop on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation held at the VCDNP, July 2014
The Permanent Mission contributes to public knowledge on the UAE’s programme through ongoing engagement and interaction with new agencies and media outlets.
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Cooperation with IAEA on Public Engagement and Expert Interviews Over the past years, the Permanent Mission cooperated with the IAEA Public Information Division in the framework of UAE’s policy of operational transparency. Production and broadcasting by the IAEA film on the UAE’s Nuclear Energy Programme has been the result of this successful cooperation. The film entitled “Powering the Future” highlights the rationale behind the country’s nuclear energy project and demonstrates progress made in its implementation. In 2015, the Permanent Mission continued cooperation with the IAEA’s Public Information. The IAEA published on 3 February 2015 an interview with Ambassador Alkaabi to present the UAE as a country case study on their website (www.iaea.org). An interview entitled “From Consideration to Construction: The United Arab Emirates’ Journey to Nuclear Power” highlights the rationale behind the country’s nuclear energy project and demonstrates progress made in its implementation.
In 2015, the Permanent Mission also started an initiative of interviewing IAEA experts in relation to UAE nuclear power programme. The Director of the Technical Cooperation Department, Dr. Najat Mokhtar, and Acting Section Head for Nuclear Infrastructure Development of the IAEA Department of Nuclear Energy, Ms. Anne Starz, were interviewed to provide more insight on international cooperation and expert opinions related to the UAE programme. These expert interviews were published in the Mission’s Monthly Newsletters and on the Mission’s Website. “It is fair to say that the IAEA has also benefited greatly from this cooperation; we have worked closely with the UAE to understand how countries starting programmes today are responding to different challenges than in the past. The UAE is at the leading edge of these ‘nuclear newcomers’ and has been actively sharing its experiences with the IAEA and the international community.” ~ Anne Starz, Section Head for Nucle-
Read the expert interviews in Permanent Mission Newsletters on www.uae-iaea.org 72
ar Infrastructure Development, IAEA
“The UAE’s strength lays in its focus to achieve its identified priorities, in its communication of these priorities to all the relevant stakeholders in the country, and in maximizing available resources which we know are always limited, to ensure the target is achieved on time.” ~ Dr. Najat Mokhtar, Director of the Technical Cooperation Department, IAEA
Ensuring Long-term Sustainability
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Ensuring long-term sustainability The UAE recognized from the outset of its programme that a project of this magnitude would need sufficient planning efforts, in the attempt to achieve economies of scale that would ensure the sustainability and continued safe operation of a nuclear power programme. In light of this the UAE has put great emphasis on building-up a robust nuclear cadre through intensive human capacity building. Along with individual experts used to guide and train nationals in the nuclear field, the UAE engages through the Permanent Mission with the IAEA in this endeavour.
Addressing Developmental Goals The Permanent Mission has taken then lead in cooperation with the IAEA to develop a national programme that would fit the UAE sustainability goals. The UAE Technical Cooperation programme with the IAEA is built on national needs, and in line with Government’s development priorities taking into consideration short, medium and long-term objectives. The Mission is currently reviewing and updating the
UAE Country Profile Framework (CPF) for 2017-2021. In a collaborative process with national institutions, the Permanent Mission develops strategic documents which can serve as reference for the areas of collaboration with IAEA as outlined in the CPF. The Mission develops TC programmes through analysis and selection of national priorities to be fulfilled through this cooperation.
The current CPF (2012-2016) has successfully served as an essential basis for national TC programmes during three cycles: 2012-2013, 2014-2015 and 2016-2017.
Figure 6: The UAE Permanent Mission has supported more than 2,700 participants in IAEA activities since 2011. 74
Human Resource Development The Permanent Mission is greatly supporting capacity building within national UAE institutions in relation to nuclear technology through extensive Human Resource Development (HRD) activities with the IAEA. This transfer of knowledge contributes to advancing nuclear education within local stakeholders, as part of the UAE strategy to ensure long-term sustainability. UAE’s cooperation with IAEA through the Permanent Mission has been successful in building nuclear expertise in the UAE; since 2011, the Permanent Mission supported UAE participation in 583 activities, with the majority of them focused on HRD.
Nuclear Education and Training Further in line with national capacity building measures, the Khalifa University operates the Gulf Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Institute (GNEII), a regional institute focused on human resource development in the nuclear sector. Since its inception in 2011, GNEII offers Fundamentals Courses that provide instruction on fundamental aspects of a responsible nuclear energy programme, from critical thinking and basic physical principles, to social and technical aspects of nuclear safety, safeguards. GNEII is aimed for professionals in the Middle East region. On 11 January 2015, Khalifa University launched the fifth round of the GNEII Fundamentals Courses at its Abu Dhabi campus. The fourteen-week 2015 course offered an integrated 3S methodology and a system approach to nuclear energy, providing Fellows from the region with a comprehensive understanding of responsible nuclear energy programmes. From 2011-2015, 78 students graduated, which is an average of about 16 students per year. Most were from UAE but also, Jordan Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
UAE Ambassador Alkaabi speaks at the GNEII Symposium in Abu Dhabi, May 2014
A promising initiative aimed at human resources development organized in conjunction with the IAEA is the Nuclear Energy Management (NEM) School, which aims at training participants in leadership building in nuclear energy programme management. The UAE has been successful in implementing this initiative, hosting for the second time the NEM School at the Khalifa University of Science, Technology and Research (KU) in May 2015. The School was organized in cooperation with the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), and the Critical Infrastructure and Coastal Protection Authority (CICPA). The two-week course for selected participants provided a wide a range of lectures, site visits, discussions, group work and presentations. Thirty-four participants and eleven guests from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Asia-Pacific region joined the NEM School. The School provides a unique knowledge exchange and worldwide networking opportunity for future managers in the area of nuclear energy.
IAEA Nuclear Energy Management School participants and IAEA delegation at Barakah NPP site, May 2015
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Nuclear Knowledge Management Keen on enhancing Nuclear Knowledge Management (NKM), the Permanent Mission supported participation from the UAE in NKM schools hosted in Trieste, Italy, in 2014 and 2015. Similarly, FANR hosted an Expert Mission in January 2014 to evaluate its NKM programme. Furthermore, Ambassador Alkaabi contributed to the NKM Conference held in Vienna in November 2015.
The UAE benefits from the Cyber Learning Platform for Nuclear Education and Training (CLP4NET), which is an e-learning platform installed by the IAEA, at the request of the UAE, and through the support of the Permanent Mission. The CLP4NET was installed in 2010 at the Khalifa University (KU) and serves to enhance nuclear education and training in the country. It provides easy access to educational resources and contains a learning environment to support instructor-led courses and to disseminate e-learning self-study resources to a wider audience. The Permanent Mission coordinates regular update of the platform with the IAEA and counterparts at KU.
IAEA Cyber Learning portal at the Khalifa University
Encouraging Women in the Nuclear Sector The UAE has also ensured that women are well-represented within its nuclear power programme. In support of professional women in the nuclear sector, the UAE has females occupying important positions in its nuclear sector. In 2015, the Permanent Mission supported a higher number of female participants from the UAE in the activities of the IAEA. The graph below shows this increase.
Figure 7: the UAE Permanent Mission supports an increasing number of women from the UAE participating in IAEA activities.
Photo: Dr. Batool Al Balooshi (left) joins the panel at the iPET conference in Vienna, November 2015. (Photo: IAEA)
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Future Outlook
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Future Outlook The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is moving ahead with its nuclear power programme, as it will in the forthcoming years enter the commissioning phase and the start of full-scale operation of its four units. The role of the Permanent Mission will continue to be supportive for ensuring that the programme is being developed in direct cooperation with the IAEA. The Permanent Mission will continue facilitating the • on-going coordination with the IAEA in several core areas: •
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The Permanent Mission will continue its support with the cooperation of UAE relevant stakeholders in ensuring UAE fulfillment of its international obligations under relevant Treaties and Conventions.
To receive important capacity building in national and regional priority areas, the Mission will be man- • Outreach activities will continue to be numerous and varied, delivered through the work of the Peraging the UAE’s Technical Cooperation programme manent Mission to keep the public abreast on activwith the Agency. This will include continuous impleities of the UAE nuclear power programme. mentation of TC projects and the Integrated Work Plan. The Mission will also assist in the coordination of IAEA Peer Review missions to the UAE and support in Human Resource Development, both of which Projected UAE Nuclear Power Plant will be undertaken to fit the phase of the UAE proTimeline gramme. • 2017: Unit 1 to begin operation The UAE will also continue to contribute to the work • 2018: Unit 2 to begin operation of the IAEA, by providing expertise and sharing its • 2019: Unit 3 to begin operation experience in implementing IAEA guidance. The UAE will be hosting the IAEA International Conference on Nuclear Power in Abu Dhabi, in 2017.
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2020: Unit 4 to begin operation
Other Publications of the Permanent Mission Thematic Fact Sheets
Newsletters
Permanent Mission’s fact sheets focus on key thematic areas of the UAE Civil Nuclear Energy Programme, presenting its current progress. These fact sheets provide summary information on the UAE’s accomplishments in different areas of its peaceful programme, as well as UAE’s cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).
Monthly Newsletters of the Permanent Mission highlight cooperation activities between the UAE Government and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO), including key events and activities of the Mission throughout the month.
All Permanent Mission’s fact sheets are available online: www.uae-iaea.org
All Permanent Mission’s Newsletters are available online: www.uae-iaea.org It is also possible to subscribe to the Permanent Mission’s newsletters by e-mail. 79
Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) 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
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