Nobody can copy UAE nuclear plan

Marrakech - The first of the UAE's four reactors will start by the end of next year

The UAE nuclear programme is not only on the right track, but is also good and safe that nobody can easily copy it, according to Agneta Rising, director-general of the World Nuclear Association.
Talking exclusively to Khaleej Times on the sidelines of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Conference of the Parties (COP22) conference in Marrakech, Morocco, she said the UAE nuclear programme is receiving tremendous international support. "They are doing everything according to "gold" standards, and not everybody can have gold."
The first of the UAE's four reactors will start by the end of next year, and another one the year after that, she said. "While the four nuclear plants are still under construction, the first will soon be loaded with fuel, and it will be possible to do tests."
The UAE will definitely start producing nuclear energy by the end of 2017, she said. The country is embarking on a nuclear power programme in close consultation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), and with huge public support, she added. "It accepted a $20 billion bid from a South Korean consortium to build four commercial nuclear power reactors, total 5.6 GWe, by 2020 at Barakah."
Nuclear wastes, being taken care of, pose no threat, and there are good solutions, she underlined. "We are not in a hurry, and this is neither a technical nor an economic problem; it is rather a policy problem to put the right rules and regulations."
According to its profile on the World Nuclear Association, the UAE is committed to a "dual track" radioactive waste management strategy that involves developing a national storage and disposal programme in parallel with exploring regional cooperation options.
Kirill Komarov, First Deputy CEO for Corporate Development and International Business of Rosatom State Corporation, told Khaleej Times that the UAE is developing a very strong nuclear programme. "This is the same with many other countries in the Middle East such as Saudi Arabia and Jordan."
This programme will not only give the country opportunity to reduce CO2 emissions or provide a new source of electricity but will rather have a huge input in the social-economic development."
As part of a discussion on 'Low-carbon development of Russia: challenges and opportunities', Komarov highlighted the role of nuclear power in achieving the objectives of Paris Agreements.
Addressing a Press conference on 'Forming energy of future: role of nuclear industry in global reduction of CO2 emissions', Komarov said the energy efficiency of 1kg of uranium fuel is equal to burning 98 tonnes of coal according to the International Energy Agency. "The 36 reactors operating at 10 nuclear power plants in Russia prevent 250 million tonnes of Co2 emissions annually."
Currently, Rosatom is constructing 36 nuclear power plants with Water-Water Energetic Reactor abroad, he unveiled. "This is equivalent to the volume of avoided emissions of 23 gigatonnes CO2. This is our contribution to the low-carbon future of the planet."
Atomic energy and renewables can't be set against each other, he pointed out. "We are sure that the future of the energy industry is in the diversified balance of low-carbon technologies that provide price affordability, the safety of deliveries and minimum impact on the environment."
In proof of his words, Komarov spoke about current Rosatom projects in wind power generation. "The total amount of investments made by Rosatom here exceeds 1billion Euro."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtims.com

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