UAE MoEI launches Emirates Nuclear Technology Centre at Khalifa University
The centre aims to enhance the country’s nuclear technology research capabilities and support the country’s peaceful nuclear energy programme
The Ministry of Energy and Industry (MoEI) has opened a new nuclear technology research and development centre at the Arzanah Complex of Khalifa University’s Sas Al Nakhil campus in Abu Dhabi.
The centre will enhance UAE’s nuclear technology research capabilities and support the long-term sustainability of the country’s peaceful nuclear energy programme by creating a dedicated innovation hub for peaceful technological development in nuclear power.
An MoU has been signed between the UAE MoEI and the Ministry of Science, and Information and Communications Technology of Republic of Korea, under the UAE and Korea Consultation Committee on Nuclear Technology. The MoU outlines the framework of cooperation on research projects between the centre’s relevant parties.
The Emirates Nuclear Technology Centre will engage in research projects designed and approved by Emirates Nuclear Energy Cooperation (ENEC) and Federal Authority of Nuclear Regulation (FANR), and will be conducted by students, academics and researchers from Khalifa University. The centre’s initial research projects will focus on three areas: nuclear safety and systems, nuclear materials science and chemistry, and radiation safety in the environment.
Under the MoU’s framework, the centre will benefit from sharing knowledge and expertise from the Korean Nuclear energy industry, which has been operating for over 40 years, along with experience in developing nuclear research reactors.
HE Suhail bin Mohammed Faraj Faris Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Industry, said: “Investing in research and innovation are prerequisites for the long-term success of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy industry. It will further position the UAE as an international role model for the development of a peaceful nuclear energy program by building UAE National capabilities and conducting industry-leading research on radiation safety and nuclear energy technologies.”
Meanwhile, Lee Taeho, second vice minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Korea, said that he believes the MoU on nuclear energy and R&D cooperation will serve as a catalyst that will further accelerate the bilateral nuclear energy cooperation between the two countries.
HE Eng. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, said: “As the UAE’s emerging peaceful nuclear energy industry continues to grow and develop, collaboration and cooperation between academia and industry will allow us to ensure the long-term sustainability of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, as well as enhancing our global competitiveness and high standards of safety.”
“Through its projects and research, the centre will provide talented UAE Nationals with the opportunity to work alongside international experts in conducting cutting-edge research, thereby developing their skills and capabilities within the field of peaceful nuclear energy,” he added.
“The ENTC reflects another strong commitment from Khalifa University to contribute to enhancing the UAE’s nuclear technology research capability and support our key stakeholder’s goals for the delivery of safe, clean and efficient nuclear technology to meet the UAE 2030 vision,” added Dr Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, executive VP for Khalifa University of Science and Technology.
