Agreement between Andra and Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation of UAE
On January 31, 2019 a cooperation agreement was signed between Andra and ENEC, the entity in charge of radioactive waste in the UAE (https://www.enec.gov.ae/ ),; the objective of the agreement being the development of an extensive radioactive waste management programme.
On January 31, 2019 ENEC, the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, and Andra signed a cooperation agreement for the development of an extensive programme concerning the management of radioactive waste to be produced by the Barakah NPP built on the Persian Gulf bank by the Corean KEPCO.
After 10 years of construction, the UAE are preparing to launch the operation of their NPP, equipped with 4 reactors for a total installed capacity of 5 GW. The agreement covers multiple actions: regulatory framework review, training of ENEC teams, and preliminary development of a disposal facility for low- and intermediate-level waste from NPP operation.
This agreement is an important step for ENEC towards enriching the range of its activities with that of radioactive waste management. This cooperation will allow ENEC to capitalise on Andra’s experience gained over several decades and to create a comprehensive long-term management programme in line with international recommendations. It is also a perfect occasion for Andra to showcase its capacity to support a partner country in developing a responsible and ambitious management programme. ENEC selected Andra for its expertise in transmission of knowledge, skills and solutions in the field of radioactive waste management. (https://www.andra.fr/nos-expertises/diffuser-nos-savoir-faire-linternational ).
The signature of the agreement comes after a string of meetings and discussions between Andra and ENEC both in the UAE and in France.