UAE s National Integrated Planning for nuclear power infrastructure development Technical Meeting on Topical Issues in the Development of Nuclear Power Infrastructure 2 February 2017 Linda Eid National Liaison Assistant and Technical Cooperation Coordinator UAE Permanent Mission to IAEA
Outline I. UAE nuclear power programme where it all started 1)UAE nuclear policy 2)Establishment of the PM, FANR, and ENEC II. Integrated collaboration with IAEA Rationale of national integrated planning III. Frameworks of cooperation 1)Country Programme Framework & IWP 2013-2017 2)19 milestones approach, and Benefits of the IWP 3)IWP Planning, implementation, evaluation & review IV. The UAE Model V. Challenges VI. Good practices & Lessons learnt
UAE nuclear power programme; where it all started
2008-2017 2008: A rapidly developing economy and rising demand for electricity prompted the UAE to embark on a peaceful nuclear energy programme. Why? Nuclear power is safe, clean, and reliable technology that is expected to contribute up to 25% of peak electricity demand in the UAE by the year 2020. 2012: in a historical move UAE became the first nuclear newcomer country in 27 years to start the construction of a nuclear reactor in a new programme. January 2017: Unit 1: 93%, Unit 2: 81%, Unit 3: 67%, Unit 4: 38%. Overall construction completion rate for Units 1-4 is: 76%.
Construction at Barakah NPP
Construction at Barakah NPP
Construction at Barakah NPP
The key element: UAE Nuclear Policy Commitment to 6 principles 1. Complete operational transparency 2. Highest standards of nonproliferation 3. Highest standards of safety and security 4. Close cooperation with the IAEA 5. Partnership with governments and firms of responsible nations 6. Long-term sustainability
Establishment of the Permanent Mission to IAEA 2008: Establishment of the UAE Permanent Mission (NLO) What do we do with IAEA? Ensuring that UAE obtains assistance and advice from IAEA experts, and requesting peer reviews of UAE activities Implementing and reviewing international agreements and conventions Contributing to the work of IAEA through policy-making organs, committees, sharing experience and financial support. How do we do it? Integrated planning: CPF (2012-2016, 2017-2021), IWP 2013-2017 Coordination with all national stakeholders and IAEA for the planning, design, implementation and evaluation and monitoring of joint activities/plans (national, regional, and international)
Establishment of FANR Sept 2009: FANR was established as the regulatory body for the nuclear sector in the UAE (Federal Law by Decree No 6 of 2009, on the Peaceful Uses of Nuclear Energy). FANR s mandate: protect the UAE public, workers and environment through regulatory programmes in safety, security, radiation protection and safeguards, in accordance with best international practices. What do we do with FANR? The PM and IAEA work closely with FANR to oversee the implementation of UAE s obligations under the international nuclear conventions, and to assist it to achieve excellence in regulation. How do we do it? The IWP supports infrastructure, HRD and a robust Regulatory Framework in the UAE; Licensing; more than 7 licenses as of 2016 relating to construction at Barakah NPP and to handling nuclear material Peer review missions Regulations Inspections Radiation protection
Establishment of ENEC Dec 2009: ENEC established by H.H. Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE. ENEC s mandate: deliver safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE. What do we do with ENEC? The PM and IAEA with ENEC to ensure its capacity building and development, and help deliver its three strategic goals: 1. Guarantee Project Delivery of the UAE s first nuclear energy plants safely 2. Ensure Operational Readiness 3. Support & Develop Capability; skilled local workforce and the growth of a nuclear energy industry supply chain in the country. How do we do it? HR capacity building activities to enhance the understanding and application of the highest standards of safety and security (more than 270 activities since 2011). Review Missions (OSART) Public education and outreach; raise awareness and clarify misconceptions on NE
II. UAE partnership with IAEA Integrated approach Department of Nuclear Energy Departme nt of Safety and Security Department of Safeguard s IAEA Department of Technical Cooperatio n Policy Making Organs: BoG, GC Department of Nuclear Science and Applications
II. National Integrated Planning Why pursue national integrated planning? 1. Nuclear policy principles; working with IAEA, International Standards, Sustainability 2. Nuclear power programme to go hand-in-hand with TCP and overall collaborative activities with IAEA. Integrated approach to working with IAEA ensures: Efficiency, Comprehensiveness, and Complementarity of IAEA support and One hub for coordination of national efforts for infrastructure and HR development Continuous and sustainable support to the NP Programme in all phases
III. Integrated Framework of cooperation CPF & IWP 2 National documents define the framework of cooperation with IAEA: The Country Profile Framework (CPF), for Technical Cooperation The Integrated Work Plan (IWP), specific for the nuclear power programme Complementary Both are developed, implemented and monitored through coordination between the Permanent Mission (NLO office), national stakeholders and IAEA TC Department.
Integrated Plan supporting the Nuclear Power Programme IWP Milestones Approach and the IWP IWP; operational framework for the delivery of IAEA assistance in support of the national nuclear power programme, according to the 19 Milestones Approach. Signed June 2013 (provides support until and beyond operation of the 1 st NPP in 2017) Action Plan reviewed yearly and updated according to the evolving needs of the UAE nuclear power programme. Implementation rate increasing since 2013, more than 70 activities implemented 1 integrated approach brining together UAE stakeholders and all IAEA Departments, and implemented under TC. The scopes of the TCP and the IWP build on UAE short, medium and long-term national needs, and are implemented in line with the CPF.
Benefits of the Integrated Work Plan A successful tool The IWP enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of the partnership between the UAE and the IAEA IAEA: team of all IAEA Departments The UAE takes full charge of the development and implementation of its nuclear power programme, takes into consideration the role and responsibilities assigned to each stakeholder and partner, and UAE: team of all stakeholders of the nuclear power programme Integrated Action Plan monitors and calibrates progress in a holistic manner The impact of IAEA assistance is enhanced; better coordination and integration of the contribution of each IAEA department and more systematic and coherent assessment and monitoring of progress.
Role of the NLO and IAEA focal point 1. Coordination, coordination, coordination; in-house, UAE//IAEA 2. Planning: identifying needs in complementarity with the TCP activities 3. Implementation: poc, timing, venue, audience, scope, experts 4. Evaluation and monitoring: reports and follow-up actions 5. Review meetings: twice a year
Peer Review missions under the IWP
Other major activities under the IWP
IWP Evaluation and monitoring Shared responsibility; UAE stakeholders and IAEA Departments in coordination with focal points IWP yearly review meeting (Q1) Review during bilateral meetings of the IAEA GC (September) Semi-annual NLA/PMO meeting (and any other occasion!) Reports from activities and experts feedback
IV. UAE model Achievements and success elements Implementation of more than 70 IWP activities since 2013 7 Major Peer Review Missions; five of them under the IWP framework Success elements UAE Government commitment to the highest standards of operational transparency, safety, security, and non-proliferation, Working closely with IAEA Engaging all stakeholders in the IWP planning, implementation and review Intensive HRD and capacity building efforts to train Emiratis in the 19 infrastructure issues Use of SVs and FWs when required Continuous dialogue with the different IAEA departments and national stakeholders for the exchange of expertize and technical support Use of national, regional and inter-regional TC projects and activities when needed to complement the IWP Keeping engagement with the Agency committees Sharing of experience
UAE model
V. Challenges Challenges IAEA Departments work differently. Integrating all communication between IAEA and UAE via the NLO Structure of the action plan and synergies between TCP and IWP Engagement of stakeholders and maintaining strong coordination among them Some Implementation challenges; activities postponed/cancelled. Changes can occur in the lifetime of the action plan (counterparts, team members, delays in construction, or procurement of equipment, etc.) Means to address them One-house approach Transparency Integrated approach; screen activities, avoid redundancy of support, and address national needs efficiently and effectively. Identification/designation of the suitable counterparts and soliciting commitment to the duration of the plan. Encourage the formation of teams, and team meetings and reporting to the NLO. Risk assessment and assumptions in the planning phase. NLO ensures that no major challenges stop the implementation, and works closely with CPs and PMO to amend the activities to still achieve outcomes.
V. Good practices and lessons learnt Communication and coordination Coordinating continuously with national counterparts and IAEA Keeping them informed of the IWP activities implementation Following-up with focal points regularly; discussing needs and challenges Planning and management: Sustainability Keeping abreast of the UAE s evolving priorities & IAEA s guidelines (example INIR phase 3) Ensuring integration complementarity of TCP, IWP and other Programmes of collaboration with IAEA Defining clear roles and tasks for all individuals involved in the IWP planning and implementation. Involving the CPs of TC projects supporting the IWP Ensuring compatibility and non-redundancy of activities Reviewing activities feedback/reports Knowledge management, poc handover, etc. Ensuring that HR capacity is developed during the IWP duration, and that knowledge is maintained and shared, to sustain benefits after the plan s closure.
Thank you! I compliment the United Arab Emirates on the steady progress it has made in building its Nuclear Power Plant. The UAE begins its commercial operation in 2017. This will make the United Arab Emirates the first new country in around three decades to complete a new nuclear power plant. We escorted this project right from the start. We have cooperated on all aspects of safety and security, including emergency preparedness and response arrangements. I am pleased that the UAE will become the first country to use a new integrated nuclear infrastructure review phase three. The UAE has set up positive examples of timely and comprehensive planning and implementation and shown a strong emphasis on safety. We will continue to work very closely with the UAE as we complete all four Units at Barakah, and throughout of the operating life of the facility and beyond. Yukiya Amano, Director General of the IAEA, UAE Side Event during the 60th General Conference