Nuclear Summit 2014: Reducing global amount of enriched uranium a key priority

The organisers of the Nuclear Security Summit say cutting the amounts of highly-enriched uranium and plutonium is one of the key objectives.

ABU DHABI // Reducing the amount of dangerous nuclear material in the world, such as highly enriched uranium and plutonium, is one of the main issues at the summit.

“The use of highly enriched uranium is not always necessary,” said the summit’s organisers, the Nuclear Security Summit 2014 project group from the ministry of foreign affairs in The Netherlands.

“It can be processed to make low-enriched uranium, which involves much lower risks and can be used as a fuel for nuclear reactors.”

Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi, the UAE permanent representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the peaceful use of nuclear security would only benefit countries. “It can allow them to enjoy freely the use of nuclear energy or its application in a manner that can help their economy or help their society, only if it is addressed,” he said.

“The increased threat of terrorism in general also led to the increased threat of nuclear terrorism in particular, and that’s why nuclear security is such a high priority for UAE policy.”

Improving the security of nuclear material, nuclear installations and radiological sources is also vital.

“Security can be enhanced by installing physical barriers and detection equipment, providing security personnel with better training and raising awareness among nuclear-facility employees of the risks of nuclear terrorism,” the organisers said.

“These measures also help prevent smuggling of nuclear and radiological materials.”

Mr Al Kaabi said nuclear material found in reactors and research facilities, as well as radioactive material widely used in industry and in hospitals, did not necessarily enjoy the same physical protection as other nuclear facilities.

But strengthening international cooperation was crucial.

“Countries cooperate on the basis of a range of international agreements, guidelines and initiatives, as well as in international organisations,” the organisers said.

“All these forms of cooperation taken together should form a logical, comprehensive nuclear security architecture.”