Abu Dhabi, January 31 (BNA): The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation in the United Arab Emirates continued throughout 2022 its commitment to implementing its mandate to regulate the nuclear and radiological sectors in the country and to ensure the safe and peaceful use of radioactive and radioactive materials. Nuclear material.
It was a dynamic year for the Authority, as it demonstrated its strong regulatory capabilities using innovative technologies.
FANR continued its regulatory activities by issuing two regulations and one regulatory guide covering aspects of nuclear facilities safety management, technical services related to radiation safety, and accreditation of reactor operators.
These regulations provide a strong regulatory framework for licensees of the Authority to ensure that they comply with its regulatory requirements.
In 2022, the Board of Directors approved the Authority’s 2023-2026 strategy that focuses on strengthening its regulatory framework, research and development, capacity building, advanced technology in the nuclear and radiological sectors, national and international strategic cooperation, as well as other regulatory issues.
Another major achievement of FANR was the issuance of the operating license for Unit 3 of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, after a detailed review of the license application and round-the-clock inspections to ensure that the operator meets regulatory requirements.
Unit 3 is currently undergoing various tests in preparation for commercial operation.
In addition to hosting the IAEA Sub-Regional Workshop on Nuclear Law, the UAE participated in the IAEA’s First International Conference on Nuclear Law.
The UAE received the IAEA Follow-up Mission for the Expanded Occupational Radiation Protection Assessment (ORPAS) in October to review the radiation protection arrangements in the UAE.
The mission praised the UAE’s efforts in effectively implementing the national framework for radiation protection for workers, and considered the UAE the first member state of the International Atomic Energy Agency to demand a review of the ORPAS program for its space program.
During the year 2022, the authority strengthened its national and international cooperation by signing 11 national and international agreements covering cooperation in capacity building, research and development, nuclear security and non-proliferation of nuclear weapons.
Moreover, and in affirmation of the UAE’s commitment to ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy, FANR hosted the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Forum in March, which provided a place for national and international experts to exchange knowledge and experiences and discuss challenges in matters related to nuclear weapons. To ensure exclusively peaceful uses of nuclear materials and technology.
The Authority submitted the fourth national report of the United Arab Emirates on compliance with the obligations of the joint agreement on the safety of spent fuel management and the safety of radioactive waste management, during the seventh review of the joint agreement held in June. The report identified the state’s arrangements for managing nuclear and radioactive waste.
Another achievement is the issuance of the Orphan Sources Strategy, according to which the Authority will work with the members of the Radiation Protection Committee to develop a general action plan for the detection, search and recovery of orphan sources. It also aims to raise awareness among the public and facilities about potential situations that may involve radioactive sources outside the scope of regulatory control.
The FANR launched a Report to Protect (R2P), whistleblowing system in November, enabling its partners, licensees, employees and the general public to quickly bring any potential breaches of nuclear and radiological regulations as well as any cases of fraud and misconduct to the FANR’s attention. related to the Authority, while ensuring the strictest confidentiality procedures.
The authority also launched its improved version of the electronic licensing system, which allows license applicants to apply for, obtain and manage licenses to conduct regulated activities. The improvements have accelerated the issuance of licenses by the Authority and the management of licensing requirements.
FANR also continued its commitment to building national capacities in the nuclear and radiological sectors.
The authority worked alongside the Ministry of Education to develop a master’s degree curriculum in medical physics, and collaborated with the UAE National Qualifications Center to develop a framework for qualifying practitioners in the field of radiation protection. In addition, eight FANR employees have completed the SRL operator management course.
Since its inception in 2009, the Authority has been committed to implementing its mandate to regulate the nuclear and radiological sectors in the UAE, in order to ensure the protection of workers, the public and the environment and to ensure only peaceful uses.