A Singaporean delegation reviews the UAE’s experience in nuclear oversight

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ABU DHABI, 20 February, 2017 (WAM) – The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) hosted a high-level delegation from the Republic of Singapore at its headquarters in Abu Dhabi, with the aim of reviewing the nuclear regulatory system in the UAE, and exchanging views on nuclear safety, regulatory frameworks, and governance, in light of Singapore’s study to assess the potential role of nuclear energy.

The delegation was led by Mr Darryl Chan, Director of the Office of Nuclear Energy at the Energy Market Authority of Singapore, and included representatives from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, the National Environment Agency, the Institute for Nuclear Research and Safety, and the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment.

During the visit, the Authority reviewed its comprehensive regulatory framework in the areas of safety, security and nuclear safeguards, highlighting the speed of development and implementation of the regulatory system, in addition to its experience in developing licensing systems and setting regulations and regulatory standards.

The two sides also discussed prospects for enhancing knowledge exchange, building supervisory capabilities, and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Christer Victorsen, Director General of the Authority, said that for more than 15 years, the Authority has played a pivotal role in establishing a strong and independent nuclear regulatory framework in the UAE, noting that today, with the full operation of the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the country is emerging as a forward-looking model to be emulated by member states that are considering developing their nuclear programs.

Singapore is currently conducting studies to evaluate the potential role of nuclear energy within its long-term strategy for energy security and emissions reduction. It is also exploring advanced nuclear technologies in parallel with strengthening its research and oversight frameworks in support of making informed future decisions regarding the deployment of nuclear energy.