FANR to continue launching nuclear security, radiation safety initiatives in 2024: Director-General

FANR

Christer Viktorsson, Director-General of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), said that the Authority is preparing to launch several new initiatives across nuclear security, radiation safety, waste management and others in 2024.

During a FANR media briefing, he highlighted key milestones in 2023 and FANR's focus areas in 2024.

“FANR has been playing a significant role in 2023 to ensure the safe, secure and peaceful use of nuclear energy and radiation material; and to protect the public, workers and the environment alike. Thanks to our robust regulatory infrastructure and competent experts, we maintained our mandate to regulate the nuclear and radiation sector efficiently and effectively,” Viktorsson stated. "In 2023, FANR launched its 2023-2026 Strategy entitled ‘our vision, our promise’. The strategy outlines our commitments to ensuring the sustainability of developing the regulatory infrastructure and the oversight of the nuclear and radiation sector in the UAE, and the support to the UAE government's vision ‘We the UAE 2031’. Our 2023-2026 strategy will pursue two strategic objectives: proactively optimising the regulatory control of facilities and activities; and advancing research and development and capacity building to meet the needs of the sector in the country. Therefore, this supports our vision to be a globally recognised nuclear regulator."

About the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, he said, “In November 2023, FANR delivered a milestone, when we issued the operating licence of Unit 4 of Barakah Nuclear Power plant and it reached the first criticality phase last week. The licence allowed Nawah Energy Company, the operator, to start the commissioning phase to get it prepared for commercial operation. The three units are currently commercially operational. Last year, FANR carried out over 45 inspections (covering nuclear safety, security and non-proliferation) of the four units to ensure they meet regulatory requirements. With the completion of the four units and the successful entry into commercial operation, the UAE Nuclear Energy Programme, developed based on best international standards, made the country a role model for many nations, who are embarking on developing a nuclear energy programme.”

Nuclear Non-Proliferation

“FANR continues to carry out its mission as stipulated by the UAE’s nuclear law that mandates it to regulate the nation’s nuclear sector for peaceful purposes,” Viktorsson explained. “In 2023, FANR carried out 57 safeguards-related inspections, as well as 93 import & export control inspections, to ensure the licensees’ compliance with FANR’s regulations.”

“As part of supporting the International safeguards programmes, the UAE signed in 2023 the Administrative Arrangement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), where the UAE launched its Safeguards Support Programme, by which it will provide knowledge and expertise that will enhance the effectiveness and efficacy of IAEA’s safeguards. Last month, IAEA’s Director-General Rafael Mariano Grossi recognised the UAE for its support to strengthen the international nuclear non-proliferation regime,” he went on to say.

Nuclear Security

Speaking about FANR's efforts to regulate radioactive sources, and physical protection of nuclear material and nuclear facilities, the FANR Director-General said, “In 2023, 24 inspections were conducted for licensee facilities using radioactive material and carried out additional 146 inspections for radioactive source transport vehicles. FANR conducted a cyber-security inspection of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant to verify the implementation of regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, FANR works closely with the National Guards Command in the physical protection of the Power Plant as well as working with national partners to ensure nuclear and radiation security in major public events such as COP28.

“Protecting the public and the environment represents the core of FANR’s mandate. FANR launched last year the UAE’s first Master of Science in Medical Physics, in cooperation with Khalifa University to establish a trained cadre of medical physicists to contribute to the robust radiation protection infrastructure in the country. Medical Physicists play a key role in ensuring radiation protection of patients during medical exposure in health facilities. Complementing efforts to build capacity in the sector, we worked with our national stakeholders in coordination with the National Qualifications Centre to develop and qualify around 3,000 Nuclear and Radiological Emergency Workers in the UAE by the end of 2024.

“Furthermore, FANR’s Board of Management approved the next cycle 2024-2027 for the Radiation Protection Committee with a mandate to further develop the UAE Radiation Protection Infrastructure to position the UAE as a centre of excellence. Led by FANR and consisting of federal and national entities, RPC played significant roles in supporting the UAE’s radiation protection infrastructure from developing national guidelines, building capacity, emergency preparedness and environmental protection.”

Meanwhile, FANR continued its regulatory mission by licensing and inspecting facilities that are using radiation sources, carrying out 232 inspections in 100 medical and 114 non-medical facilities. It also issued a total of 1,293 licences: 194 new licences, amended 703 licences, renewed 396 and issued 1,420 import permits and 610 export permits.

Research and Development

FANR continued its efforts to boost its research and development capability, where it carried out projects covering different areas such as reactor materials, waste management, and radiation safety. The R&D projects aim to support our current and future nuclear regulatory activities. In 2023, FANR signed agreements with French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission, the French Institute For Radiological Protection and Nuclear Safety and Nuclear Energy Agency to conduct and implement multiple research and development programmes.

National and International Cooperation

FANR continued engaging with national and international stakeholders during 2023.

Viktorsson stated, "The IAEA is our key stakeholder and we keep close cooperation in various aspects, taking part in regular meetings and workshops to discuss international nuclear matters. We hosted last year the IAEA International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems, where over 580 participants from 95 countries and 4 international organisations discussed effective regulatory systems in a changing environment. In addition, we also hosted and participated in over 30 IAEA and other international events that cover different aspects of nuclear regulatory matters including cybersecurity, waste management, climate change and others.

"The UAE’s 2021-2027 Country Programme Framework that was signed with the IAEA outline the UAE-IAEA technical cooperation in the areas related to the nuclear and radiation sector including nuclear safety, nuclear security, human health, food and agriculture.

“We signed 10 agreements nationally and internationally to cooperate on regulatory matters, exchange of information as well as research and development aspects.”