UAE's nuclear regulator issues its first licence

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), the UAE's independent regulator for the nuclear sector, has issued the first licence to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC).

This licence authorises ENEC to study potential sites to assess their suitability for the location of nuclear power plants. The licence was approved by FANR's Board of Management, the highest decision-making body in the authority, following FANR's review of ENEC application.

Dr William D Travers, FANR's Director-General, said: "This marks the formal start of FANR's important role as the independent safety regulator for the UAE's nuclear power programme."

This licence does not mean that FANR has approved any particular site. Rather, the assessment of the acceptability of a specific site will take place when ENEC submits a future application to construct the nuclear power plant. "Such an application is expected later this year," he said.

Majid Al Mansouri, Secretary-General of Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi (EAD), and FANR Board Member, also noted the issuance of the first FANR licence.

EAD and FANR are co-operating agencies with respective regulatory responsibilities. "At EAD, a priority is to ensure the safety of the environment. For any proposed nuclear power plant, ENEC must provide us with the environmental studies necessary to help evaluate the potential environmental risks related to both construction and operation," said Al Mansouri.

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