Nuclear Energy Source

In the United Arab Emirates, the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, located in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, operates four units. Each unit is designed to produce 1,400 megawatts (MW) of electricity with nearly zero carbon emissions. At Khalifa University, the Emirates Nuclear Technology Center (ENTC) is actively engaged in research focused on developing and enhancing the safety of the nuclear power plant. Ongoing research on neutronics design, thermohydraulic systems, and nuclear materials utilizes state-of- the-art computational tools and experimental facilities, with direct involvement from stakeholders. Fig. 1 illustrates the amount of clean energy produced by utilizing nuclear power to generate electricity from the four units of APR-1400 in the UAE.


Fig. 1: APR-1400 contribution for clean energy and CO 2 prevention captured on January 10, 2024

(Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (enec.gov.ae))

Nuclear Energy: Nuclear energy refers to the energy released during nuclear reactions, particularly in processes like nuclear fission and nuclear fusion. In nuclear fission, the nucleus of an atom splits into smaller parts, releasing a significant amount of energy. This energy is used to generate electricity in nuclear power plants. Nuclear energy is a powerful and concentrated source of energy that has both peaceful applications in electricity generation and medical uses, as well as destructive applications in nuclear weapons.

Nuclear Safety: Nuclear safety encompasses the measures and precautions taken to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities, the protection of people and the environment from potential radiation hazards, and the prevention of nuclear accidents. It involves the design, construction, and operation of nuclear power plants, as well as the handling, transportation, and disposal of nuclear materials. The goal of nuclear safety is to minimize the risk of accidents and to mitigate their consequences, ensuring the well-being of both the public and the environment.

Nuclear waste, also known as radioactive waste, refers to the byproducts generated during the production of nuclear energy and various nuclear applications. This waste contains radioactive materials that emit ionizing radiation, posing potential hazards to human health and the environment. Nuclear waste can come from various sources, including spent nuclear fuel from nuclear reactors, as well as waste generated from medical, industrial, and research activities involving radioactive materials. Nuclear waste is categorized into different classes based on its level of radioactivity and the type of materials involved. The primary categories include low-level waste (LLW), intermediate-level waste (ILW), and high-level waste (HLW). Each category requires specific handling, storage, and disposal methods to prevent the release of radioactive materials into the environment and to protect public health.

Radiation Safety: Radiation safety involves practices and guidelines aimed at protecting individuals, the public, and the environment from the harmful effects of ionizing radiation. Ionizing radiation, such as that emitted by radioactive materials or X-ray machines, has enough energy to remove tightly bound electrons from atoms, potentially causing damage to living tissues. Radiation safety measures include monitoring and controlling radiation exposure, implementing proper shielding, maintaining safe distances from radiation sources, and using protective equipment. The objective is to ensure that radiation exposure is kept within acceptable limits to prevent adverse health effects.


Fig 2: Controlled fission, or splitting if U-235 Atoms

What is the Nuclear Fuel Cycle? | IAEA

Fig 3: Nuclear Fuel cycle

What is the Nuclear Fuel Cycle? | IAEA

Atoms for Peace is a phrase and a policy initiative that originated from a speech delivered by U.S. President Dwight D. Eisenhower to the United Nations General Assembly on December 8, 1953. In this speech, President Eisenhower proposed the idea of using nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and promoting international cooperation to ensure the responsible use of atomic energy.

The key points of the "Atoms for Peace" initiative included:

Peaceful Use of Nuclear Energy: The initiative aimed to encourage the peaceful use of nuclear energy for generating electricity, medical applications, agriculture, and other beneficial purposes.

International Cooperation: President Eisenhower emphasized the need for international cooperation in the development and sharing of nuclear technology. He proposed the creation of an international agency to facilitate the exchange of scientific information and materials for peaceful nuclear purposes.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation: The speech also highlighted concerns about the spread of nuclear weapons. President Eisenhower called for measures to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons and emphasized the importance of international safeguards to ensure that nuclear technology was used exclusively for peaceful purposes. As a result of this initiative, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) was established in 1957 to promote the peaceful use of nuclear energy and to oversee safeguards to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. The "Atoms for Peace" concept has since played a role in shaping international efforts related to nuclear energy, non-proliferation, and disarmament.