FANR Ensures Nuclear Safety With 33 Inspections At Barakah In 2023

The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has released its 2023 Annual Report, highlighting its regulatory achievements in ensuring the safe and peaceful use of nuclear energy and radiation sources in the UAE. The report details FANR's extensive activities at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP), including 33 nuclear safety inspections covering various operational stages.

FANR's regulatory efforts at BNPP involved resident inspectors and additional inspectors from its headquarters. These inspections spanned site construction, commissioning, operational readiness, power ascension testing, vendor inspection activities, and operational activities. A significant milestone was the issuance of the Unit 4 Operating License after a comprehensive review to ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements.

In addition to nuclear safety inspections, FANR conducted a cyber-security inspection at BNPP to verify adherence to regulatory standards. Collaboration with the National Guards Command ensures physical protection of the Power Plant, while partnerships with national entities secure nuclear and radiation safety during major public events.

FANR's mission extends beyond nuclear power plants to include regulating radioactive sources and protecting nuclear materials and facilities. In 2023, FANR carried out 24 inspections for licensee facilities and 146 inspections for vehicles transporting radioactive sources. Furthermore, FANR performed 57 safeguards-related inspections and 93 import/export control inspections to ensure compliance with regulations.

The UAE signed an Administrative Arrangement with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), launching its Safeguards Support Programme. This initiative aims to enhance IAEA's safeguards through shared knowledge and expertise. FANR also supported IAEA training activities and organised 20 drills and 12 training sessions related to nuclear emergency preparedness.

Licensing and Inspections

Continuing its regulatory mission, FANR licensed and inspected facilities using radiation sources. In 2023, it conducted 232 inspections across 100 medical and 114 non-medical facilities. Additionally, FANR issued a total of 1,293 licenses: including new licenses, amendments, renewals, as well as import and export permits.

Protecting public health and the environment remains central to FANR's mandate. Last year saw the launch of the UAE's first Master of Science in Medical Physics in collaboration with Khalifa University. This programme aims to train medical physicists who will strengthen the country's radiation protection infrastructure.

Capacity Building Initiatives

FANR continued its capacity-building programmes in 2023 to invest in local talent through initiatives like the Developee Programme, Scholarship Programme, Leadership Programme, and Inspector Qualification Programme. Currently employing over 255 people, FANR boasts a workforce that is 74% Emirati with women representing 45% of employees.

The authority also introduced its "Our Vision, Our Promise" strategy for 2023-2026. This strategy focuses on sustaining regulatory infrastructure development and oversight of the UAE's nuclear and radiation sector while supporting the UAE government's vision "We the UAE 2031".

FANR’s commitment to ensuring nuclear safety is evident through its comprehensive inspection regime at BNPP. By collaborating with national partners for security measures at public events and conducting cyber-security checks at BNPP, FANR demonstrates a holistic approach to regulation.

With inputs from WAM