The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the French National Radioactive Waste Management Agency (Andra) on the sidelines of the 63rd Annual Regular Session of the IAEA General Conference in Vienna, Austria
The MoU has been signed as part of ENEC’s proactive approach to developing a long-term strategy for waste management.
Andra is a governmental organisation in charge of the radioactive waste management development programme in France and is seen as a leading radioactive waste management organisation with extensive knowledge of safety assessments, site investigations, design and operation of disposal facilities.
Andra is working on the Industrial Geological Storage Centre known as CIGEO project consisting of a high and intermediate-level waste underground repository in Bure, France.
Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC, said, “This is an important memorandum and comes as part of our commitments set out at the very beginning of the development of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. These commitments include the UAE’s policy for non-proliferation, transparency and the development of a comprehensive radioactive waste management system that reflects the highest standards of safety, quality and international best practices.”
“We have put in place a proactive approach to planning for the future requirements of the UAE nuclear energy industry alongside our UAE stakeholders, and in line with our international commitments. By working closely with Andra we will be sharing best practices and insights for the future,” added Al Hammadi.
Pierre-Marie Abadie, CEO of Andra, commented, “With more than 30 years of experience in the management of radioactive waste, Andra, a French national agency, has an international objective to support countries in setting up in a timely manner the responsible management of radioactive waste. It is the spirit of the collaboration with ENEC to whom it will bring the competence of its experts to support the implementation of this policy, respectful in the long-term safety and environmental requirements recommended by the international authorities.”
