The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, will host two public forums as part of its ongoing commitment to community engagement, focusing on raising awareness and understanding of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. The discussions will be held at the Baynounah Educational Complex in Al Dhafra Region, and at Zayed University Convention Centre, in Abu Dhabi on 6th and 8th November respectively.

The events will highlight the importance of nuclear energy as a safe, clean, reliable and efficient source of electricity and its vital contribution to the long-term growth of the UAE.

The forums are open to the public and take place a week after the International Atomic Energy Agency’s International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power in the 21st Century which took place in Abu Dhabi. The international conference, with participants from over 60 countries, showcased the UAE as a role model for other nations around the world considering launching major peaceful nuclear energy programmes to meet their growing energy demands.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, ENEC’s Chief Executive Officer, along with members of ENEC’s senior leadership and technical teams, will present the latest project updates and next steps to attendees from Al Dhafra Region and Abu Dhabi.

They will provide details on how the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme is progressing, with Unit 1 now more than 96 percent complete. Unit 2 is more than 87 percent, Unit 3 is more than 78 percent, and Unit 4 is currently at 58 percent. Overall, construction of the four Units is now more than 84 percent complete.

Al Hammadi said, "As we continue to make steady progress with the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme, it is vital that we continue to engage and closely interact with residents in our communities openly. We want to raise awareness and knowledge in the sector and allow attendees the opportunity to learn about the benefits nuclear energy brings, from the production of clean, safe and reliable electricity through to the creation of high-value careers for talented UAE Nationals."

"Nuclear energy is currently used to generate 11 percent of the world’s electricity while emitting virtually no greenhouse gases. We want to show how the sector has brought many economic benefits to our nation as already more than 1,400 UAE-based companies have been contracted for the delivery of products and services for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with contracts worth over AED13 billion. We look forward to the event and welcoming residents to our annual public forums," he added.

ENEC has conducted five sessions during 2017 to enhance the relationship between ENEC and its stakeholders, who each play a major role in supporting the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme.

When the four reactors are completed, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant will deliver clean, efficient and reliable electricity from nuclear energy to the UAE grid, pending regulatory reviews and licensing, and save up to 21 million tons of carbon emissions each year.