FANR, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute Sign Nuclear Safety Cooperation Agreement

On 14 September 2015, the United Arab Emirates’ Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperation in the field of nuclear safety with respect to light-water nuclear power reactors.

On 14 September 2015, the United Arab Emirates’ Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) and the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to promote cooperation in the field of nuclear safety with respect to light-water nuclear power reactors.

The MOU was signed in Vienna by Ambassador Hamad Alkaabi, deputy chairman of FANR’s Board of Management and the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, and KAERI President Dr. Jong Kyung Kim on the side-lines of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s annual General Conference.

Following the 2009 adoption of its nuclear law [LINK], the UAE selected Korean contractors to build four light-water nuclear power reactors in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. All four are currently under construction, with the first scheduled to enter into service in 2017, pending FANR’s regulatory approval.

The five-year MOU signed today calls for FANR and KAERI to collaborate with the aim of enabling FANR to gain experience in the field of nuclear safety for advanced light-water reactors. The two organizations will cooperate on thermal-hydraulic experiments, safety analysis, severe accident analysis and risk assessment and management, among other areas.

“This agreement advances the UAE’s efforts to maximize safety as the nation prepares to add nuclear power to its energy mix,” said Ambassador AlKaabi, the UAE’s permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency. “FANR and the UAE will benefit greatly from this cooperation with such an experienced nuclear partner as KAERI.”

About FANR:

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation protects the UAE’s public, workers and the environment by conducting nuclear regulatory programmes in safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards, which fulfil key objectives in licensing and inspection in accordance with best international practices, capacity-building to ensure sustainability, overseeing the UAE obligations under the international treaties, conventions and agreements in the nuclear sector, and administrative standards ,which support excellence in regulation. Learn more at www.fanr.gov.ae

About KAERI:

Established in 1959, the Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) is the first science and technology research institute in Korea to be mandated to achieve energy self-reliance through nuclear technology. Learn more at https://www.kaeri.re.kr/english/