UAE to seek public opinion on nuclear regulations

UAE’s Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation (FANR) announced on Saturday that it will exhibit five of its draft regulations to the public with an aim of attracting their opinions about them.

These include the rules pertaining to “administrative systems for nuclear installations 01”, “location of nuclear facilities 02”, “Regulations to apply for a license for the construction of a nuclear facility in 06”, “Emergency preparedness at nuclear facilities 12” and “Regulations of the safe transport of radioactive material 13” as defined in safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

FANR is the independent government body charged with regulating and licensing nuclear activities in the UAE, which in addition to the nuclear power programme, includes radioactive material and radiation sources used in medicine, research, oil exploration and other industries.

FANR stressed that the invitation of the public opinion is consistent with the authority's policy of operational transparency and in accordance with the provisions of the Federal Law No6 of 2009 concerning the peaceful uses of nuclear energy.

It is intended that FANR will publish the final version of the regulations in the official gazette upon approval by the Board of Directors.

It invited those who want to see the regulations to request a copy by e-mail to the authority, noting that they can send their comments on the same address.

It was early in October last year the federal law regarding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy was signed into effect, providing for development of a system for licensing and control of nuclear material, as well as establishing the independent FANR to oversee the whole UAE's nuclear energy sector, and appointing the regulator's board, headed by a senior US regulator.

The law also makes it illegal to develop, construct or operate uranium enrichment or spent fuel processing facilities within the country's borders.