Nuclear energy drives global economic growth, supports sustainable development and is helping to meet growing worldwide energy demands ? that was the key message on day one of the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century, currently being held in Abu Dhabi, the UAE
Over 700 nuclear energy leaders and experts have convened in the UAE capital to assess the latest trends in the industry and propose new strategies to tackle energy challenges faced across the globe.
The importance of international collaboration featured prominently throughout day one of the event, which featured nuclear energy leaders and delegations from the USA, Russia, China, France, South Africa, India, South Korea and many others. The experts addressed on the first day how nuclear energy can help power modern economies with a reliable supply of baseload electricity while helping them reach their goals to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. The event is also examining the challenges to wider implementation of nuclear energy, including cost, policy and public acceptance.
The conference was attended by HE Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, vice-chairwoman of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation Board of Directors, and president, Zayed University.
HH Suhail Al Mazroui, minister of energy and industry for the UAE, said, ?The UAE is committed to using nuclear energy to materialise our national developmental needs. The UAE Vision 2021 is our roadmap towards the future and it is a strong enabler of the Sustainable Development Goals such as ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all.
?The UAE nuclear industry, led by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and its subsidiaries will continue developing a world-class nuclear energy program and will soon operate and maintain the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in line with the highest international standards.?
ENEC CEO Mohamed Al Hammadi stated, ?Nuclear energy provides 11 per cent of the world?s electricity while emitting virtually no greenhouse gases. The sector has brought many economic benefits to our nation as already more than 1,400 UAE-based companies have been contracted for the delivery of products and services for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with contracts worth over US$3.3bn. The International Ministerial Conference gives us a great opportunity to collectively engage in high-level discussion on how we can meet future energy demands through peaceful nuclear energy. We want to ensure that as an industry we continue contributing to sustainable development, as well as driving economic growth and creating highly-skilled jobs for a talented workforce.?
It was also announced that the UAE is set to establish a ?Collaborating Center? with the IAEA at Khalifa University for Science and Technology & Research (KUSTAR), Abu Dhabi. The agreement marks the beginning of a four-year period of close cooperation between Khalifa University and the IAEA on implementing activities in the field of nuclear power infrastructure and human resource development.
