Envoy Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE’s Delegate to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), emphasized the importance of developing the country’s peaceful nuclear power sector as a crucial component of its net-zero strategy, showcasing its commitment to diversifying its energy mix and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. He made these statements during his address at the 67th meeting of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna.
Al Kaabi mentioned that the UAE’s nuclear power program, along with renewable energy sources, aims to provide 14 gigawatts of clean energy for the UAE by 2030. This program is a significant part of the country’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources.
He also pointed out that as the UAE prepares to host the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) from November 30 to December 12, 2023, they look forward to discussing the role of nuclear power in addressing climate change and mitigating its effects. Hosting COP28 reaffirms the UAE’s proactive commitment to addressing climate change issues on various levels.
In 2023, the UAE updated its National Energy Strategy to include new goals, such as increasing the share of clean energy in the total energy mix to 30 percent by 2031 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Al Kaabi emphasized the need for climate resilience to ensure the security of the energy supply in the transition to net-zero emission systems.
Al Kaabi also highlighted the IAEA Technical Cooperation (TC) Program, which provides crucial support to Member States for developing infrastructure and capacity in the nuclear power sector and other areas, including health, agriculture, and the environment. These efforts contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UAE is supportive of discussing the role of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and advanced nuclear technologies in achieving net-zero emissions and supporting energy security and sustainability. They endorse the IAEA’s platforms for SMRs and the Nuclear Harmonization and Standardization Initiative (NHSI).
In February 2023, the UAE hosted the IAEA International Conference on Effective Nuclear and Radiation Regulatory Systems: Planning for the Future in a Rapidly Evolving Environment. During this conference, the UAE announced the launch of the UAE Professional Day of Nuclear and Radiation Sector Workers on February 16th, which commemorates the day when the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) granted a license in 2020 to operate Unit 1 of the UAE’s Barakah Nuclear Power Plant.
Furthermore, the UAE expressed its commitment to supporting the IAEA’s safeguards system by concluding a Practical Arrangement with the IAEA in March 2023, providing direct funding and in-kind contributions for the agency’s activities in support of safeguards development.
In conclusion, Al Kaabi emphasized the UAE’s dedication to working with the IAEA and providing the necessary funding to maintain the agency’s essential role in the development of a national nuclear power program and the use of nuclear applications. This underscores the UAE’s responsible approach to nuclear energy and its commitment to sustainable and secure energy solutions.
