PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
Monthly Newsletter
Vol.4, Issue 5 September-October 2015
In this Issue
IFNEC Convenes its Executive Committee and Steering Group Meetings in Romania – p.2
UAE Hosts Regional Training Course on Nuclear Forensics – p.3
UAE Healthcare Official shares Knowledge on Cancer Management at International Conference in Vienna – p.4
IAEA Expert Mission Reviews the UAE‟s Regulation and Guide on PreDisposal Management of Radioactive Waste – p.5
Highlights from the IAEA 59th General Conference
UAE Highlights Progress of its Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme at the IAEA General Conference – p.6
UAE Ambassador Speaks at a Side Event on the Role of Women in the Nuclear Field – p. 7
International Nuclear Experts Discuss the Establishment of the IAEA Nuclear Fuel Bank – p.8
Permanent Mission Hosts an Exhibition on the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme – p. 9
UAE Ambassador Hosts a Reception for IAEA Delegates – p.10
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation with the IAEA – p.11
Expanding Cooperation Agreements with Partner Countries – p.12
Ambassador Alkaabi Briefs U.S. Industry Delegation on UAE‟s Nuclear Power Project – p.13
Senior Regulators‟ Forum – p.15
UAE Commenced Construction of its Fourth Nuclear Reactor - p.16
About the Permanent Mission - p.17
Tel: +43 715 0028 Fax: +43 715 0028 - 5555 E-mail: general@uae-iaea.org Web: www.uae-iaea.org
Highlights from the IAEA 59th General Conference The 59th session of the International Atomic Energy Agency‟s annual General Conference took place from 14-18 September, at the IAEA headquarters in Vienna, gathering more than 3,000 delegates from its 165 Member States. The UAE delegation, headed by H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Permanent Representative to the IAEA, participated in the work of the Conference throughout the week. The delegation comprised senior officials from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). In the course of the Conference, Ambassador Alkaabi delivered a national statement highlighting the
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importance of the role of the IAEA in the peaceful use of nuclear energy worldwide and particularly commending the fruitful cooperation between UAE Government and the Agency. The UAE delegation held a series of meetings with other delegations to strengthen bilateral cooperation, and joined side events to share the country‟s experience and participate in knowledge exchange. The UAE also featured an exhibition displaying all aspects of its nuclear power programme and the progress made to date. Senior officials of the UAE‟s Nuclear Regulatory body also joined the Senior Regulators‟ Forum to exchange information on current regulatory issues and trends. (Continued on page 6)
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The International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation IFNEC Convenes its Executive Committee and Steering Group Meetings in Romania From 22-23 October, the International Framework for Nuclear Energy Cooperation (IFNEC) held its 2015 Executive Committee and Steering Group Meeting in Sinaia, Romania, hosted by the Nuclear Agency and for Radioactive Waste, the national authority for peaceful nuclear activities. During the meeting, the Executive Committee addressed progress made over the past year, and provided guidance on future activities and priorities. The Committee also discussed the outcomes and recommended actions from the 3rd Africa Nuclear Power and Energy Conference, which was jointly organized by IFNEC and the International Atomic Energy Agency in Kenya. Also highlighted were the activities of the Steering Group and IFNEC Working Groups.
Among these were the working groups on the back end of the fuel cycle work, and the nuclear infrastructure working group. The meeting has also discussed and agreed on the future direction in the area of financing for nuclear new build. The outcome of these discussions were reviewed by the participating countries at the Executive Committee meeting, which further gave directions to the IFNEC Working Groups to guide its future work. The United Arab Emirates joined IFNEC in 2011, which currently comprises 33 participant countries, 31 observer countries and 4 international organizations. For more details, http://www.ifnec.org/
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Participants of the Nuclear Forensics training course in Abu Dhabi, UAE PERMANENT MISSION OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES TO THE INTERNATIONAL ATOMIC ENERGY AGENCY VIENNA
Nuclear Forensics to Prevent Illicit Trafficking of Nuclear and Radioactive Material UAE Hosts Regional Training Course on Nuclear Forensics Nuclear forensics make up an essential component of a national nuclear security infrastructure, as it can help address the threat of nuclear and other radioactive material which fall out of regulatory control, and can as well assess nuclear security vulnerabilities. From 5-8 October, the UAE hosted a Regional Training Course on „Introduction to Nuclear Forensics‟ in Dubai, UAE. The training course was organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in collaboration with the Government of the United Arab Emirates. It brought together more than 30 participants from 20 IAEA Member States, mainly form Arab countries and the North African region. Eighteen Police Officers from Police Departments also joined the training to enhance their awareness and understanding of the scope and applications of nuclear forensics. The training course provided an excellent platform for the exchange of information among participants involved in the development or implementation of their respective countries‟ national response plans for nuclear security events, and how to optimize the role of nuclear forensics in addressing such incidents.
Participants of the nuclear forensics training course in Dubai, UAE
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UAE Healthcare Official Shares Knowledge on Cancer Management at International Conference in Vienna Dubai Health Authority shared its knowledge and practices on cancer management during the International Conference on Clinical Positron Emission Tomography (PET) – Computed Tomography (CT) and Molecular Imaging, held from 5 to 6 October in Vienna, Austria. The International Conference on Clinical PET–CT and Molecular Imaging: PET–CT in the Era of Multimodality Imaging and Image Guided Therapy (IPET-2015) addressed the health challenges common to many IAEA Member States. More than 500 participants from IAEA Member States, mainly clinicians, imaging specialists and scientists, reviewed the important clinical aspects of cancer management and assessment of the disease. Three UAE participants from the Dubai Health Authority, Gulf International Cancer Center in Abu Dhabi and the Cleveland Clinic took active part in the Conference in reviewing important clinical aspects
and the appropriate use of medical imaging for the entire spectrum of cancer management and other diseases. Dr. Batool Al-Balooshi of Dubai Health Authority chaired a number of sessions on nuclear medicine during the Conference and provided assistance to the Conference in reviewing scientific posters on cancer management. The UAE‟s healthcare sector closely cooperates with the IAEA through several national Technical Cooperation projects, aimed at enhancing quality control in diagnostic nuclear medicine and improving radiological protection of patients. Dr. Al-Balooshi emphasized that UAE stakeholders greatly benefit from IAEA technical expertise through up-to-date multimodality imaging techniques that the UAE participants apply in their work.
Dr.Batool Al Balooshi, Acting Head of Nuclear Medicine at Dubai Health Authority, chairs sessions at the International Conference on PET-CT and Molecular Imaging at IAEA headquarters in Vienna
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IAEA Expert Mission Reviews the UAE’s Regulation on Pre-disposal Management of Radioactive Waste From 11 to 13 October, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) received a team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to review the national regulation and guide on predisposal management of radioactive waste. The Expert Mission was carried out in the framework of the national Technical Cooperation project on „Establishing the National Radioactive Waste Management Infrastructure,‟ between the UAE and Agency. The four-day mission reviewed the UAE regulatory body‟s regulations to protect residents and the environment from radiological effects and hazards potentially posed by spent nuclear power plant fuel and radioactive waste. It included the incorporation of Natural Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) management aspects into the regulatory documents.
The team of experts also made recommendations and advice aimed at aligning the UAE‟s regulatory framework for radioactive waste management with the IAEA Safety Standards. In accordance with the UAE Nuclear Law, FANR has developed a number of regulations, including in this area:
Regulation number 11 for Radiation Protection and Pre-disposal Radioactive Waste Management in Nuclear Facilities;
Regulation number 24 on Basic Safety Standards for Facilities and Activities involving Ionizing Radiation other than in Nuclear Facilities;
Regulation number 26 for Pre-disposal Management of Radioactive Waste.
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UAE delegation at the IAEA 59th General Conference in Vienna, Austria
UAE Highlights Progress of its Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme at the IAEA General Conference The national statement delivered by Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi at the plenary of the General Conference highlighted the progress made on the nation‟s peaceful nuclear energy programme, which began in 2008. “There are currently four nuclear power reactor units under construction at Barakah nuclear power plant, with more than 75% of the first unit complete. In making such progress, the UAE views the Agency as a valuable partner, following its guidance, receiving required support and contributing back to the Agency‟s work,” said Ambassador Alkaabi in his speech.
“My country has had the opportunity to observe and learn from the response to the accident, and has taken significant steps to implement the lessons learned,” stated Ambassador Alkaabi. Finally, the Ambassador reiterated UAE support for the work of the IAEA, stating that the “UAE looks forward to hosting the next international conference on nuclear power in 2017 in Abu Dhabi,”. (Read full text of UAE statement here)
The Ambassador reiterated his country‟s commitment to working closely with the IAEA and conforming to its standards, as outlined in the UAE Nuclear Policy. Particular attention was paid to the importance of the establishment of the International Low Enriched Uranium (LEU) fuel bank. The UAE supported the Agency‟s initiative from the outset and commended the signing of the Host State Agreement between Kazakhstan and the IAEA in August 2015. The national statement also underlined the importance of the Agency‟s efforts in producing the Fukushima Daiichi Accident Report.
UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi delivers a national statement during the IAEA 59th General Conference, 16 September
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UAE Ambassador Speaks at a Side Event on the Role of Women in the Nuclear Field On 16 September, UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Permanent Representative to the IAEA, spoke at the side event “Women in All Things Nuclear”, a forum cosponsored by the Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation (VCDNP). After being held three years in a row, the event‟s focus this year was on the future workforce in the nuclear field. Ambassador Alkaabi was a keynote speaker at the event,. He emphasized the important role that women play in building-up the highly skilled nuclear workforce in the UAE. Talented females make up a significant part of the UAE‟s growing workforce, and national entities involved in the UAE nuclear power programme are taking steps to encourage even more women to join the country‟s bourgeoning nuclear industry.
UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi speaks at side event on the role of women in the nuclear field
In his speech, Ambassador Alkaabi introduced participants to the current trend of female professionals joining the nuclear industry in the UAE. Twenty-one percent of the UAE nuclear operator‟s skilled professional staff comprises women; and high percentages of women are joining nuclear training programs in the UAE.
Side event “Women in All Things Nuclear,” 16 September
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International Nuclear Experts Discuss the Establishment of the IAEA Nuclear Fuel Bank On 15 September, a side event “Multilateral Approaches to the Nuclear Fuels Cycle: The IAEA Fuel Bank – progress to Date and Looking Ahead” took place on the margins of the IAEA‟s 59th General Conference. H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi joined the panel of five speakers from the IAEA and other organizations involved in the development of the nuclear fuel bank. Ambassador Alkaabi complimented the Agency on an important milestone achieved with the inauguration of the IAEA low-enriched uranium (LEU) fuel bank in August 2015, which will be hosted by Kazakhstan. He emphasized that the UAE supported this initiative from its outset, both politically and financially. Ambassador Alkaabi expressed his Government‟s belief that the fuel bank will contribute to a network of reliable multilateral fuel services, promoting the expansion of nuclear energy in a safe and responsible manner. The event provided panelists and participants with an opportunity to engage in a substantive policy discussion on the progress made so far, and implementation of the agreement on the IAEA LEU fuel bank.
In 2008, the UAE offered its support for the establishment of the IAEA low-enriched uranium fuel bank. The UAE contributed US $10 million toward the creation of the fuel bank.
On 27 August 2015, the IAEA and the Government of Kazakhstan signed a Host State Agreement to ensure fuel supplies for nuclear power stations and contribute to nuclear nonproliferation.
The event was aimed at raising awareness and building knowledge of the issue.
Side event “Multilateral Approaches to the Nuclear Fuel Cycle: The IAEA Fuel Bank,” 15 September
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UAE Exhibition on the sidelines of the IAEA 59th General Conference
Permanent Mission Hosts an Exhibition on the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme The UAE Permanent Mission to the IAEA launched an exhibition entitled “UAE Nuclear Power Programme: A Model for Peaceful Nuclear Energy” at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) on the margins of the IAEA General Conference. Featuring an insightful overview of the progress made on the UAE nuclear energy programme, the exhibition highlighted the major millstones achieved in the development of the country‟s peaceful nuclear programme, which began in 2008. The exhibition also displayed the path by which the UAE decided to embark on a nuclear power programme and its strategy for developing this programme based on the best international standards. The UAE‟s exhibit, among other exhibitions by the nuclear industry and Governments of twenty countries, was open to over 3,000 delegates that were participating in the General Conference, NGOs, media representatives, and daily visitors of the VIC.
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UAE Ambassador Hosts a Reception for IAEA Delegates UAE Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi hosted a reception on 16 September for the Conference delegations and IAEA staff. Participating delegates to the IAEA 59th General Conference, IAEA staff, and other guests congratulated the UAE for the major accomplishments the country has achieved with its nuclear energy programme. They also noted the success of the Permanent Mission‟s second exhibition and its effective presentation of the country‟s efforts in the area of nuclear energy. Guests at the event received information publications on latest progress in the development of UAE nuclear energy programme.
Group photo: UAE delegation to the IAEA 59th General Conference at the country exhibition booth, Vienna International Centre
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Bilateral meeting between the UAE delegation headed by H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, Permanent Representative to the IAEA (right, center), and IAEA Director General Mr. Yukiya Amano (left, center)
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation with the IAEA On the sidelines of the General Conference, the UAE delegation held in bilateral meetings with IAEA senior officials.
A series of bilateral meetings were also held with Directors of the IAEA's Departments of Nuclear Safety and Security, Nuclear Energy, Safeguards,
and Technical Cooperation, providing an update of the country's progress and the scope of future collaboration.
The meeting with IAEA Director General Mr. Yukiya Amano addressed the strong on-going cooperation between the Agency and the UAE on the country‟s peaceful nuclear energy programme. Mr. Amano congratulated the UAE for the commencement of the safety-related construction for its Barakah Unit 4. He also underlined that the IAEA will continue to provide its expertise and technical advice for the successful implementation of the UAE‟s programme. Bilateral meeting with the IAEA Deputy Director General for Nuclear Energy Mr.Mikhail Chudakov, 17 September
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Expanding Cooperation with Partner Countries
The UAE delegation met with a number of other country delegations in light of strengthening bilateral cooperation in the nuclear field. Having bilateral agreements already in place with a number of these countries, discussions were focused on future areas of cooperation, as well as recent progress, developments and challenges in respective nuclear power programmes.
Signing of bilateral agreement, 16 September
The UAE's nuclear regulator, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI). This MoU will allow for joint projects to advance the agendas of both countries. The agreement was signed by H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi in his capacity as Deputy Chairman of FANR‟s Board of Management, and Dr. Jong Kyung, KAERI President, on 15 September.
Bilateral meeting with Korean delegation
Bilateral meeting with French IRSN delegation
Signing of bilateral agreement, 16 September
The UAE‟s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the United States‟ Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) renewed on arrangement to cooperate on nuclear safety matters on 15 September.
Bilateral meeting with Swiss delegation
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Ambassador Alkaabi Briefs U.S. Industry Delegation on UAE’s Nuclear Power Project On 15 September, the UAE delegation met with the U.S. Industry Delegation to the IAEA‟s 59th General Conference to discuss the country‟s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant project progress and exchange ideas on current trends and cooperation areas. The U.S. Industry delegation gathered a wide number of U.S. companies, providing a platform for the UAE delegation to discuss and share ideas with industry leaders, scientists, and technology innovators who aspire to entering into new partnerships for the country‟s peaceful nuclear energy programme.
As a guest speaker at the Forum, H.E. Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi briefed the U.S. industry delegation on current developments in the UAE nuclear energy programme in terms of nuclear power plant progress progress regulatory aspects, technology, policy standards, and also on the already established U.S.-UAE partnership in the framework of the country‟s programme. Ambassador Alkaabi also briefed participants on the current status on the construction of all four units of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant and highlighted recent milestones accomplished on-site. Followed by a Q&A session, the interactive discussion emphasized the strong interest under the existing partnership between the two countries.
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UAE delegation during the U.S. Industry Forum on the margins of the 59 General Conference, 15 September
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“The UAE has concluded nine bilateral nuclear cooperation agreements with responsible and experienced nuclear countries, mainly suppliers, and those with good track records in nuclear power development and management. Both government-togovernment agreements and industryto-industry arrangements early on in the programme, have proven to be essential to the UAE’s programme success in several areas, such as safety and security, transfer of technology and human resource development.“
Bilateral Agreements concluded by the UAE for peaceful nuclear cooperation
2008: UAE - France Civil Nuclear Cooperation 2009: UAE – U.S. Bilateral Nuclear Cooperation (Section 123) Agreement 2009: UAE - Republic of Korea Bilateral Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 2010: UAE - UK Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 2012: UAE - Australia Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 2012: UAE - Canada Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 2012: UAE - Russian Federation Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement 2013: UAE - Argentina Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
~ Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA
2013: UAE - Japan Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement
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Senior Regulators’ Forum Members of the UAE delegation from the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) joined the annual Senior Regulator‟s Meeting, organized by the Agency during the General Conference, to share country experiences on current regulatory issues.
The meeting also hosted Government officials involved in regulatory matters in the fields of nuclear, radiation, transport and radioactive waste safety and nuclear security.
Since its establishment in 2009, FANR officials have actively engaged in the Senior Regulators‟ Forum. Through this Forum, they contribute toward the goal of achieving and sustaining a high level of nuclear safety, as well as learning from the experiences of other Members States and sharing practices in the development of national regulatory infrastructures.
Christer Viktorsson (left), FANR Director General, and Dr John Loy (right), FANR Deputy Director General of Operations Division, attend the Senior Regulators’ th Forum during the 59 General Conference
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Barakah Nuclear Power Plant Status UAE Commenced Construction of its Fourth Nuclear Reactor On 2 September, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) commenced the pouring of the first safety-related concrete for Unit 4 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant. The celebration of this key milestone for the UAE nuclear energy programme was marked with the attendance of the UAE Energy Minister, H.E. Suhail Mohamed Faraj Al Mazrouei.
Upcoming Events 1-5 November, IAEA‟s Occupational Radiation Protection Appraisal Service (ORPAS) mission, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Today, the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant has become the world‟s leading nuclear energy construction site, with four reactors being constructed simultaneously at one site. Currently, Barakah Unit 1 is more than 75% complete and is expected to enter operation in 2017.
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About the Permanent Mission The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has been a Member State of the IAEA since 1976. Established in 2008, the Permanent Mission of the UAE to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) acts as the main liaison between the UAE Government and the IAEA in Vienna, Austria. In line with the UAE‟s development of a nuclear power programme, the
Permanent Mission‟s main objective is to represent the interests of the UAE Government at the IAEA, and to facilitate the UAE‟s engagement and cooperation with the IAEA in the areas of nuclear safety, nuclear security, non-proliferation and safeguards, technical cooperation, and the implementation of relevant international obligations.
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Permanent Mission of the United Arab Emirates to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna
@UAE_IAEA @UAE_IAEA
Chimanistrasse 36, 1190 Vienna, Austria Tel: (+43 1) 715 00 28 Fax: (+43 1) 715 00 28 – 5555 E-mail: general@uae-iaea.org
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Website: www.uae-iaea.org
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