FANR board discusses international cooperation in nuclear regulation

The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, FANR, board of management has convened to review current progress of the country’s lead nuclear regulator in terms of nuclear safety, security and safeguards.

The meeting, presided over by Abdulla Nasser Al Suwaidi, Chairman of FANR, reviewed an update on the status of operating license application for Units 1 and 2 at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Al Dhafra Region, as well as the inspection of activities to ensure implementation of FANR’s safety, security and safeguards requirements.

The Barakah project is a key priority for FANR’s board of management to ensure that it meets all regulatory requirements.

The board also reviewed cooperation aspects with the International Commission on Radiological Protection, ICRP, an international non-governmental organisation whose mission is to provide recommendations and guidance on radiation protection. The cooperation between FANR and ICRP will encompass different activities such as scientific conferences, taking part in Radiation Protection Week as well as support to research and development activities.

During the meeting, the FANR board discussed details on a range of international agreements with a number of countries aimed at streamlining the authority's work as the UAE’s lead nuclear regulator.

The agreements, planned to be signed later in the year, aim to exchange knowledge and information related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy as well as safety and regulatory-related information. FANR is collaborating with international organisations and countries using widely-used best practices to ensure its mandate is maintained according to the UAE Nuclear Law.