The 12-member Integrated Nuclear Infrastructure Review (INIR) mission of the IAEA found that the UAE understands its long-term commitments and responsibilities of nuclear power and is implementing its programme in line with the IAEA's "Milestones" approach.
The mission noted several areas where the UAE's approach could serve as good practices for other countries starting nuclear power programmes. These include cooperation between the regulatory bodies and the utility without compromising their independence, human resource development, a well-structured management system, and a strong safety culture.
"The UAE considers the INIR mission an important milestone for our civil nuclear energy programme," said Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE?s Permanent Representative to the IAEA, at today's exit meeting of the mission.
"I believe this mission once more highlights the nature and the progress of the UAE programme: We are open, we are transparent, we are developing a peaceful nuclear programme with the highest international standards," he added. "And we are eager to continue in our cooperation with the IAEA and follow its guidance."
"Our emphasis on Emiratization of the nuclear workforce was well received. That is a confirmation that we are on the right track."
The IAEA mission leader, Mr Jong Kyun Park, Director of IAEA Nuclear Power Division, agreed that "the mission was a success". He observed that no major gaps in the UAE?s infrastructure were identified in the 19 areas covered by the review.
"The INIR Mission was conducted in a cooperative and open atmosphere with participation from various involved organizations in the UAE," Mr Park said.
"The team concluded that the development of the UAE's nuclear infrastructure is progressing well and in line with the IAEA's guidelines. This was the first mission to a country that has signed a contract for constructing nuclear power plants."
The IAEA has so far despatched INIR missions to Jordan, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. However, the mission to the UAE was a review of one of the most developed nuclear infrastructures among the IAEA Member States currently planning new nuclear power programmes.
The IAEA supports states interested in introducing nuclear power in their energy mix by providing standards, guidance, reviews and assessments, missions and assistance.
The IAEA's comprehensive "milestones" approach advises a country which intends to embark on nuclear power to integrate all aspects of their government, industry and educational institutions.
Hence, an INIR mission is a holistic review of a thorough self-evaluation of the country's nuclear power programme, based on IAEA guidelines, and is conducted upon request from the receiving state.
INIR is a recently-established tool designed to complement the IAEA Milestones document launched in 2007. The IAEA considers INIR as a valuable tool for promoting transparency and openness as it provides a comprehensive assessment of all facets of a nuclear power programme, spanning the regulatory body, utility and all relevant Government stakeholders involved.
(T.A051/M016/P003)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
