Public support grows for N-programme

Abu Dhabi - Awareness of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme has risen by seven per cent.

An independent national poll on nuclear energy shows the UAE public strongly supports the use of peaceful nuclear energy, with 82 per cent of residents in favour of using nuclear energy for generating electricity and 91 per cent stating that peaceful nuclear energy is important for the nation. Global figures from similar polls conducted in other countries demonstrate that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme enjoys the highest acceptance level in the world.
The poll was commissioned by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec) and conducted by independent global market research specialists Nielsen. The survey is part of Enec's commitment to community engagement and serves to assess the UAE residents' attitude to the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.
"The Enec continues to maintain a strong commitment to transparency and public engagement to ensure widespread awareness and understanding about nuclear energy in the UAE," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of the Enec.
"It is encouraging to know that so many residents are aware of the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy and actively support the work we are doing at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with 96 per cent of respondents believing that Enec is building the plant to the highest standards of quality and safety."
In comparison to the previous opinion poll conducted in 2016, awareness of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme has risen by seven per cent. More specifically, understanding and acceptance of the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant amongst residents of Al Dhafra Region and Emiratis throughout the UAE remains high.
"The Enec is encouraged by the results of the study as UAE residents continue to support the development of peaceful nuclear energy and understand the strategic role it plays in powering the future growth of our nation. The UAE's nuclear energy industry has already created thousands of high-value jobs in the country and continues to support the development of a knowledge-based economy and industrial capacity," added Al Hammadi.
The Enec is committed to providing the UAE community with accurate and up-to-date information about the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme in line with the UAE's commitment to complete operational transparency. As a low carbon energy source, nuclear energy will play an important role in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, as well as supporting the delivery of the strategic initiatives identified in the Abu Dhabi Plan.
"The Enec runs a comprehensive engagement and communication campaign to build the public perception and attitude towards nuclear energy and conducts regular public opinion surveys to measure the efficacy of the campaign. Results of the 2017 survey conducted by Nielsen have revealed that there is significant support amongst residents for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in UAE," said Arslan Ashraf, managing director, Arabian Peninsula and Pakistan of Nielsen. "The survey also shows an improvement in perceptions with regards to nuclear energy and a high level of engagement with residents continues."
reporters@khaleejtimes.com

• Abu Dhabi