By Christer Viktorsson

Director General, FANR

AS the number of countries joining the global nuclear energy community grows, nuclear energy regulatory authorities have witnessed significant advancements in approach, while reinforcing the importance of comprehensive, independent regulation as the key to the success of a nuclear energy program anywhere in the world. In the same way as nuclear vendors and operators have transformed into global players, nuclear regulation has been impacted by ‘globalization’ as well.

In line with the need for continuous improvement and to continue to ensure maximum safety of the public, workers and the environment, we need to strengthen our regulatory programs on nuclear safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards. Forming international partnerships where information and experience is exchanged between regulatory authorities, as well as increasing support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have so far resulted in stronger, more robust regulatory frameworks being set up all over the globe.

One example of successful international cooperation is the Multinational Design Evaluation Program, known in the industry as MDEP. Administered by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development’s Nuclear Energy Agency (OECD/NEA), MDEP is a program through which national regulators are working to share technical data and standardize regulations and practices in order to avoid duplication of work. It is a program that has been very effective in leveraging resources to have more effective regulatory reviews and to help harmonization of regulatory practices and standards.

In a globalized world, where international partnerships and agreements for joint development, construction and operation of nuclear energy facilities are becoming increasingly commonplace, the expectation for harmonization in licensing and regulation has gained significant importance. We believe transparency and collaboration can help achieve this in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Today, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has already signed 15 agreements with the regulatory authorities of other countries. Most recently, FANR signed agreements with the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) during the IAEA's 61st General Conference held in Vienna. These agreements aim to promote the exchange of information on matters such as legislation, regulations, licensing for construction, operation and decommissioning of nuclear installations.

Innovation in the way people operate within the nuclear industry is also essential. FANR received in the past few years a number of IAEA’s peer review missions where they assessed the UAE’s compliance with the international agency compliance. Most recently in 2017, FANR hosted the Education and Training Appraisal (EduTA) Mission to assess the UAE’s Education and Training Infrastructure in radiation protection and safety of radiation sources.

FANR innovates and develop news mechanism to build and maintain Emirati capacity which is of significant importance to the Authority. Building and maintaining Emirati capacity is of significant importance to FANR to ensure the sustainability of the UAE Nuclear Energy Program. In March 2017, the first group of FANR engineers completed their 13-month extensive Developed Engineers Program. The Program, launched in 2016, aims to provide fresh engineering graduates with knowledge necessary to understand nuclear engineering fundamentals, nuclear regulation as well as safety, security and safeguards.

This level of transparency and cooperation has allowed the industry to keep very high levels of safety and is something we will address at the International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century in Abu Dhabi. Innovations and advances in nuclear technologies will be high on the agenda at the event. Continuing to establish and implement international agreements between regulators, as well as collaboration with the IAEA and the OECD/NEA, will help ensure that these innovations and advances promote the highest international safety standards across the global nuclear energy community.