Team of Experts Offering Overview of IAEA’s Milestones Approach and Nuclear Infrastructure Issues to Implement N-Power Programs
Khalifa University of Science and Technology and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) are jointly organizing a five-day training course on nuclear power infrastructure development at the Main Campus in Abu Dhabi.
The course, being held from 8-12 December by a team of experts, aims to provide an overview of the IAEA’s Milestones Approach and the nuclear infrastructure issues countries should consider and address when implementing new nuclear power programs. The course will be titled ‘Supporting Knowledgeable Decision-making and Building Capacities to Start and Implement Nuclear Power Programs. Around 25 participants are expected to share their experiences during the course.
Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President, Khalifa University of Science and Technology, said: “The hosting of the training course in collaboration with IAEA at Khalifa University validates our status as the first university in the UAE to provide nuclear programs to not only support the country’s human capital needs of the strategic nuclear power sector but also an acclaimed higher education institution that delivers academic and research-related knowledge. We believe such collaborative initiatives also reflect the UAE’s status as a responsible N-producer with a peaceful nuclear program. We firmly believe the course will enrich all stakeholders and participants.”
The IAEA Training Course on Nuclear Power Infrastructure Development provides an overview of IAEA’s Milestones Approach and the nuclear infrastructure issues countries should address when implementing new nuclear power programs. It emphasizes development of the key organizations involved in the nuclear power programs, specifically, the nuclear energy program implementing organization (NEPIO), owner/operator and regulatory body. It provides an opportunity to share best practices for establishing a strong regulatory framework and exchange experiences in the licensing process from both the regulator and owner/operator perspective.
Led by IAEA experts, the training course focuses on the implementation of national requirements for nuclear safety, nuclear security and nuclear safeguards, while highlighting the management, human resource development and stakeholder involvement. It includes a combination of classroom lectures, facility visits and interactive exercises.
The course includes discussions, case studies, peer-to-peer exchange of good practices, and working group sessions on related topical issues. This provides participants the opportunity to discuss common challenges and lessons learnt, while fostering enhanced networking between member states embarking on new nuclear power programs.
Earlier, in May 2017, Khalifa University hosted the week-long IAEA Nuclear Energy Management (NEM) School, the third joint UAE-IAEA regional NEM School since 2012 and 2015. In September 2019, an IAEA team concluded a five-day follow-up mission to review the emergency preparedness and response framework for nuclear and radiological emergencies in the UAE. The Emergency Preparedness Review (EPREV) was carried out at the request of the UAE Government.
One of the 18 dedicated research centers, Khalifa University’s recently-launched Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) aims to support the UAE’s nuclear technology research capability and help deliver safe, clean and efficient nuclear energy to meet the strategic UAE 2030 vision, while protecting the public, workers and the environment.
Clarence Michael
News Writer
8 December 2019
