Accra:An International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) expert mission has commended the United Arab Emirates for its high level of emergency preparedness and readiness, following an incident at the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant on May 17. The measures implemented during the incident were effective in preventing the situation from worsening.
According to Emirates News Agency, Karine Herviou, IAEA Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, stated that the UAE government had requested the advisory mission after the incident. The mission assessed the plant's emergency performance, actions by the operator, emergency preparedness and response arrangements, and communication with the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR).
During the mission's conclusion in the UAE, Herviou noted that the plant operator effectively managed the incident, while FANR provided regulatory oversight and monitoring. She praised the UAE's ongoing collaboration with the IAEA, which includes hosting and requesting multiple review missions to enhance nuclear safety, security, and regulatory frameworks in accordance with international standards.
Herviou also recalled the UAE's role in hosting the IAEA's ConvEx-3 emergency exercise in 2021, which included participation from 75 countries and 12 international organizations to enhance global preparedness and coordination for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
Additionally, she highlighted the UAE's involvement in international conferences and its contributions to the development of nuclear safety standards and security guidance, emphasizing the critical role of proactive preparedness and coordination between nuclear operators and regulators in ensuring effective emergency response.