Volume # 10 | October, 2013

UAE Freezones Biz News Updates

UAE highlights progress of peaceful N-Programme

The UAE affirmed on Wednesday that it has taken significant steps in the development of its nuclear power programme and the related infrastructure, following the IAEA guidance and international best practices. “The construction of the first nuclear reactor in the UAE began in July 2012 following a detailed evaluation of the design, which took into consideration early lessons learned from Fukushima Daiichi accident . The UAE is the first country to start the construction of its first nuclear power plant in 27 years.

The national nuclear energy programme is progressing well, with the start of construction of the 2nd unit in May of this year,” said the UAE Permanent Representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, in the UAE statement at the 57th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in Vienna.

He noted that it has been more than two years since the accident of Fukushima Daiichi took place, adding that looking at the global picture of the nuclear sector today, and despites the challenges, nuclear energy continues to play a significant and increasing role in the global energy sector.

Fukushima highlighted the need to strengthen nuclear safety worldwide.. UAE, as a policy principle, is committed to adopt current and future lessons learned in its reactors design as part of its commitment to the highest standards of nuclear safety.“The UAE has recognised the primary role of the Agency in strengthening the global nuclear safety. We welcome all efforts made by the Director General in response to Fukushima and the implementation of the IAEA nuclear safety plan; which the UAE is fully committed to.”

UAE appreciates all the Agency’s efforts in supporting UAE needs through its different programmes and services. This cooperation framework with the IAEA has enabled the UAE to meet national goals in various areas of nuclear application and nuclear power.

Since embarking on a peaceful nuclear energy programme to meet the growing domestic demand for electricity, the IAEA has been an important and vital partner. At this point the UAE wants to express our appreciation over Agency’s central role in supporting Member States needs.

The meeting, that also included senior officials from Prime Contractor and national nuclear operator, focused on nuclear safety related issues and the IAEA’s possible contribution.

A further meeting with Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed raised discussion on the mutual interests. A steady progress in the UAE’s Nuclear Power programme continued as it commenced construction of its second nuclear reactor, pouring the first batch of nuclear safety concrete for the Barakah Unit 2. By 2017 the first nuclear power plant will be operating while by 2020, all four are projected to be brought online. The strong safety commitment of the UAE is also demonstrated through the submission of Third National Report in preparation for the upcoming 6th CNS Review Meeting to be held in March/April 2014, in Vienna.

The UAE will be hosting the IAEA International Conference on the Safety and Security of Radioactive Sources in Abu Dhabi in October this year. The UAE signed with the IAEA an Integrated Nuclear Security Support Plan (INSSP) during the last General Conference week. We believe that the IAEA safeguards system should be capable provide entail credible and effective means to assure that assurances that nuclear material and facilities are being used exclusively for peaceful purposes. This endeavour has become a true challenge with regard to verification during the last decade. We believe that this challenge should be addressed in all honesty, to provide full assurance in relation to only the declared activities but also potentially non declared ones, in the long term.

It is necessary that a safeguards conclusion included a statement over the absence of non-declared nuclear material. My delegation welcomes the director general efforts in consultation with the countries of the region to facilitate the early implementation of the comprehensive safeguards in the Middle East on all nuclear activities. However, we are deeply disappointed in lack of progress made towards the establishment of a nuclear weapon free zone in the Middle East in this area.

My delegation would like to reiterate the UAE’s commitment to working with the Agency towards the strengthening of nuclear safety, security and safeguards worldwide, while promoting the peaceful use of nuclear energy. and making use of the Agency’s central role in this regard. We thank the Secretariat for the comprehensive reports made available to Member States in relation to these matters, and reassure you Mr. President the IAEA of our the full cooperation of my delegation.”

September 19, 2013

Free Zones Of UAE

Volume # 10 | October, 2013

UAE Freezones Biz News Updates

Courtesy The Gulf Today

Emirates Of UAE

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