The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is increasing its development of nuclear energy to combat the effects of climate change.
“As a viable source of abundant and clean electricity, nuclear energy is a critical part of the solution to the global energy challenge,” stated His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. “In the UAE, nuclear energy will play a critical role in helping our nation achieve its ambitions for climate change, energy sustainability and security.”
The UAE is participating in the World Future Energy Summit (WFES) being held in Abu Dhabi from January 20-22. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) is hoping that, by 2020, a fully functioning world-class peaceful nuclear energy program will be in place for the UAE.
The oil rich and developing Persian gulf country, which obtained its independence from the UK in 1971, will learn strategy and technique at the World conference. “The World Future Energy Summit is an important platform to discuss global energy solutions and allows energy leaders from around the world the opportunity to share their experiences and best practices,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s Chief Executive Officer. The UAE will sit on a panel that will debate whether nuclear energy can resume its place as a solution for electricity generation technology and contribute to a future of low carbon output.
ENEC will also be using the summit as a job forum to attract the best and the brightest science students and professionals to become pioneers of the budding nuclear energy sector. So far, 280 UAE students have been granted scholarships to the “Energy Pioneers” program.
“One of the key challenges in entering a new industry is finding the right talent to operate and develop that industry. ENEC has been focusing on this since the very beginning. Our Energy Pioneers program is nurturing the UAE’s nuclear energy leaders of tomorrow,” said Mr. Al Hammadi.