UAE Participates in Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026 Conference in France
A United Arab Emirates delegation, led by Hamad Al Kaabi, Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), took part in the Roadmaps to New Nuclear 2026 Conference held in Paris. The delegation comprised representatives from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, FANR, and the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC).
Co-hosted by the OECD Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA) and the United States Department of Energy, the conference gathered ministers, senior officials, and nuclear industry leaders to discuss the conditions necessary for advancing new nuclear energy projects. These include financing, supply chains, workforce development, regulatory preparedness, and advanced nuclear technologies.
During the conference, Al Kaabi addressed the participating delegations, sharing the UAE's experience and insights on the future of nuclear energy. He emphasized:
- The need to translate global momentum into practical progress at scale and pace, underpinned by consistent national commitment and strong institutions.
- The importance of regulatory preparedness for advanced nuclear technologies like small modular reactors and the conditions required for nuclear expansion, such as credible project delivery, access to finance, robust supply chains, secure access to nuclear fuel, and a skilled workforce.
- The necessity for resilience and protection of peaceful nuclear facilities as the international community expands the role of nuclear energy and advances new technologies. He highlighted that safeguarding the safety, security, and physical integrity of nuclear facilities is a shared global responsibility crucial for maintaining public trust in nuclear energy.
Drawing from the UAE's experience, Al Kaabi noted that all four units of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant are operational, providing approximately 25% of the country's electricity through nuclear energy. He underscored that successful nuclear programs depend on technology, long-term planning, competent organizations, and national expertise.
The UAE's participation underscores its commitment to international cooperation and sharing its experience in promoting the responsible development of peaceful nuclear energy globally. The UAE emphasized that the next phase of nuclear development requires collaborative efforts among governments, regulators, industry, investors, and international organizations to create conditions facilitating the delivery of nuclear energy at the required scale and pace.