Al Hammadi attributes clean energy transition to UAE leadership’s long-term strategic vision

Mohamed Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, President of the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO), said: “Back in 2017, Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates, hosted the last Ministerial Conference. At that time, we were in the construction and commissioning phase of the development of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Al Hammadi, who is leading the UAE delegation to the 5th IAEA Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, added, “With the support of the IAEA and experts from around the world, I am proud that at this latest Ministerial Conference, the UAE now has three operating reactors, and a fourth reactor in the final stages of commissioning.”

He noted: “It is testament to the power of collaboration, our steadfast commitment to upholding the UAE policy on civilian nuclear energy, and our stringent program management that we are now accelerating both the UAE’s national energy security and its energy sustainability.

“Through Barakah, we are rapidly decarbonising the UAE’s electricity sector, with the plant now the single largest source of clean electricity in the nation.

We are also creating high-value careers for bright UAE Nationals and have one of the highest participation levels of female employees, as part of our commitment to supporting the brightest Emirati women in joining the UAE’s growing nuclear sector.”

Al Hammadi expressed pride in the “delivery of the plant in line with all national laws and regulations, and in full alignment with our 2008 policy commitments for nuclear safety, security, transparency and non-proliferation.

And as we look to the future, the United Arab Emirates is committed to using nuclear energy to materialize our national developmental needs in a peaceful and sustainable manner. As we work to bring the 4th unit online and deliver 25% of the nation’s electricity and meet 25% of the UAE’s Nationally Determined Contributions, we now focus on realising the full value of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. We are studying opportunities for clean hydrogen generation, advanced nuclear technologies including SMRs, and R&D to enhance security, reliability and longevity of our units. We are also working to share our expertise across non-power generating areas, including agriculture and medicine, both areas that will be key to supporting sustainable development globally. The clean electricity we generate today, as well as our plans to further decarbonize the power sector in the future, are all key components of the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy. “

He expressed his appreciation to the leadership of the UAE for their “long-term strategic vision to delivering the clean energy transition, which has enabled the development of the UAE Programme, ensuring we offer a successful case study for responsible newcomer nations looking to deliver their own civil nuclear energy programs to ensure energy security and sustainability for their countries.”

Source: Big News Network