Nuclear energy leaders from more than 40 countries will discuss the opportunities for new and developing nuclear energy programmes around the world at a conference to be held in Abu Dhabi next week.

The New Nuclear International Conference, to be hosted by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), the company developing UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy programme, will take place at the Ritz Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal from November 11 to 14.

It will be held under the theme of ‘Bringing the Nuclear World Together,’ with the importance of quality control and quality assurance in the nuclear energy industry high on the agenda and under the patronage of Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy.

The conference, with representation from key decision makers of nuclear energy programmes, energy policy makers, nuclear regulators, industry vendors, and legal and project finance specialists, will also explore all aspects of the nuclear energy lifecycle.

It will provide an opportunity for the UAE to share its experiences as the first nation in more than three decades to break ground on a nuclear energy plant.

“We are looking forward to welcoming the world’s nuclear energy industry to Abu Dhabi to discuss important issues facing nuclear energy nations worldwide,” said Al Mazrouei.

“The UAE has much to share from its experiences in nuclear energy; we also have much to gain from the experiences of other nations to ensure our peaceful nuclear energy program remains a model for others to follow.”

More than 430 nuclear energy plants operating in 30 countries worldwide generate 12.3 per cent of the world’s electricity, said a report.

This number is set to rise, with 71 new nuclear plants currently under construction in 14 countries, and more than 40 countries who are seriously considering nuclear as a source of electricity, it said.

“Nuclear energy is one of the few technologies available to energy policy makers across the world to provide reliable and clean baseload electricity, with near-zero greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of Enec.

“As responsible nations look to nuclear energy to meet their energy sustainability and security targets, it is critical that these programmes are developed and implemented to the highest standards of safety, security, quality, transparency and efficiency,” he added. - TradeArabia News Service