US firm to oversee nuclear development

ABU DHABI // The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has appointed the international consultancy CH2M Hill to manage the UAE's potential nuclear programme. In April, the Government published a policy document evaluating the potential development of nuclear-energy facilities. The document stressed the UAE's commitment to "operational transparency" and pursuit of "highest standards of non-proliferation". The programme is still being evaluated.

CH2M Hill, a global programme management, engineering, construction and operations firm based in the US, was awarded an initial 10-year contract, the Government said last night. "In awarding the contract, ENEC expressed its confidence that CH2M HILL is the right partner for this potentially significant energy initiative," it said. Lee McIntire, the president and incoming chief executive officer of the company, said: "CH2M HILL is honoured to help meet the UAE's future energy needs by providing the best global technology and management support to this potentially historic project."

The company's main responsibilities include the selection of a prime contractor, and oversight and implementation of the Government's responsibilities to comply with International Atomic Energy Agency recommendations. [e-mail]