(MENAFNEditorial) Residents of Abu Dhabi had the opportunity last night to learn more about the UAE's peaceful nuclear energy program at a public forum hosted by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC).
The forum was attended by H.E Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of International Cooperation and Development, senior executives from Abu Dhabi Government and more than 300 residents who listened to ENEC's senior management and Emirati engineers as they provided insights and updates on the nation's nuclear energy program. Over 900 more witnessed the live streaming of the forum online.
The event was part of an ongoing public education and outreach program which aims to increase awareness and understanding of the nuclear energy program across the UAE.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC, shared the latest developments of the program as it moves ahead on schedule to develop and operate the nation's first nuclear energy plants.
"We are on track with our mission to bring safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE by 2017, and a number of significant milestones have already been achieved by ENEC and our partners," said Mr Al Hammadi.
ENEC commenced construction work on its second nuclear energy plant earlier this year following regulatory approvals. Construction of Unit 1 commenced in July 2012. ENEC is building a total of four nuclear energy plants in Barakah, in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. With four plants online by 2020, nuclear energy will deliver up to a quarter of the nation's electricity needs, while saving the UAE up to 12 million tons of carbon emissions each year.
ENEC's dedicated Industrial Development Team has also been working with KEPCO, the program's Prime Contractor, to help local companies develop their quality and technical standards to meet the nuclear industry's strict requirements, as part of ENEC's commitment towards developing the local industry.
"We are pleased to see the dedication from local companies to meet high international standards with their products and services. Today, more than 200 UAE companies supply products and services to the program with more than US$1 billion in contracts awarded to local companies to date," added Mr Al Hammadi.
ENEC executives and engineers also answered a variety of questions by attendees about the safety and security of the power plants in Barakah, located in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi. The forum was also an opportunity for those seeking a better understanding of what opportunities exist for Emiratis interested in a career in the nuclear energy industry.
ENEC offers a series of scholarships through its Energy Pioneers program such as the high diploma program, the bachelor and the master program. The Human Capacity Development program designed to attract talented students and professionals to the growing nuclear energy sector.
The nuclear public forums are open to everyone and have been regularly held across the country over the last four years. More than 4,000 residents. have attended the ENEC Forums which have taken place in various locations across the Western Region, Abu Dhabi, Fujeirah, Sharjah and Dubai.
ENEC will host its next forum in Hilton Ras Al Khaimah Resort and Spa, Ras Al Khaimah, at 11:00 am on the 10th of October 2013. All residents are invited to attend. For more information, please visit www.enec.gov.ae
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.