ABU DHABI // Now is the time to contribute and give back to the UAE, said Emirati Hasan Al Shemeili, who works at the nuclear power plant in Barakah.
Mr Al Shemeili, 36, who manages Units 1 and 2 of the plant, said the country’s atomic scheme was unique in the Middle East.
“It is an opportunity for Emiratis to prove themselves, learn a lot and support their country,” said Mr Al Shemeili, who works for Nawah Energy Company, which will operate all four units at the plant.
“The UAE has given us a lot, so it’s the time to pay back and give the country the best of us.”
Mr Al Shemeili was among 52 nuclear workers, 46 of whom are Emirati, who took part in the launch of a two-week training course in the capital on Sunday.
The International Atomic Energy Agency worked with government agencies to launch the Nuclear Energy Management School at Khalifa University.
The curriculum includes nuclear energy policy and planning, nuclear regulation and law, operations, safety, security, emergency readiness and nuclear project management.
Experts from IAEA, Nawah Energy, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation will give lectures at the school.
The authority, where Emiratis comprise 62 per cent of its workforce, said the school would help to ensure the sustainability of the UAE’s power supply and support Emiratis by providing them with the necessary capabilities to manage its nuclear energy programme.
Officials believe that nuclear power will help the UAE to achieve three of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations by 2030.
Of the world’s estimated population of 7.2 billion people, 1.1 billion have no access to energy, and 2.6 billion rely on biomass to heat their houses and prepare food.
Another 1 billion people lack access to healthcare because of energy poverty.
There are 449 nuclear reactors in operation in 30 countries, meeting about 11 per cent of the world’s electricity needs.
A further 60 reactors are being built, including four in the UAE that will meet a quarter of the country’s electricity needs.
“Nuclear will help to save the environment while still providing electricity,” said Mohammed Al Ali, 31, an export control specialist at Nawah Energy.
“It will also help the youth because it’s a new field and we will gain a lot more skills because it’s an industry that is constantly evolving worldwide.”
cmalek@thenational.ae
