Emiratis learn about nuclear energy at ENEC Forum

Abu Dhabi / Emirates Business

More than 220 residents, members of the public and students attended a successful public forum organized by Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) in the UAE capital. The forum was held at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (ADNEC).
The forum highlighted the importance of nuclear energy as a safe, clean, reliable and efficient source of electricity. Around 444 nuclear power plants are currently operating in over 30 countries worldwide, supporting industry, generating jobs, and improving the lives of millions of people worldwide. This was explained to the audience, who had opportunities to ask questions about the development of the program, ENEC’s efforts in recruiting local talent and the results it will bring for the development of the UAE.
ENEC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Al Hammadi, said: “The UAE’s nuclear energy program is a historic project for our nation and one of considerable significance to the future development of our nation. It is our pleasure to help educate and update our citizens on the program through these public forums and we have been delighted with the feedback from the guests. We will continue to communicate in a transparent and informative way on the development of our program as we reach the next milestones in the coming months and years.”
Senior engineers from ENEC compared nuclear energy with other forms of energy including natural gas, coal and solar and outlined why nuclear energy was chosen by the UAE government to be a central provider of electricity for the country in the future. The audience learnt that 1 uranium fuel pellet contains the energy to power a 100 watt light bulb 24 hours a day for two and a half years and is the equivalent of 474 liters of oil. Unlike oil, coal or natural gas, nuclear energy is one of the lowest carbon footprint technologies.
ENEC senior officials explained that nuclear energy will provide the UAE with a source of safe electricity that will benefit the economy and support the UAE’s future growth. ENEC’s officials also highlighted the importance developing a diverse range of energy sources and maintaining energy independence by not relying too heavily on any one source of power.
The fact that ENEC is using the very latest third generation APR 1400 technology for the development of the plants was also highlighted. The audience were shown a step by step explanation of how nuclear energy plant works and the impact it will have on sustaining the nation’s needs.
Common misconceptions on radiation were dispelled by ENEC specialists who provided the scientific facts on radiation and it’s prevalence in nature. The specialists highlighted the fact that everyone on Earth is exposed to multiple sources of radiation during daily life without suffering any adverse effects. ENEC experts also explained why Barakah was chosen as the ideal site for the development of the nuclear energy plants.
The forum displayed the continuous progress being made at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant through videos and other visuals. Unit 1 at the Barakah plant is now over 87% complete and the project as a whole, over 62% complete. The fact that the UAE has signed multiple international treaties and agreements, in line with the highest international standards for the protection of the environment and commitment to non-proliferation, was also flagged.
The forum was open to all residents and provided an interactive and open platform. Attendees were able to ask questions about issues they were either concerned about or wanted further information on.