ABU DHABI // The nuclear sector in the UAE is taking a step forward with the creation of a new educational programme by two renowned international engineering companies.
Atkins, a leading nuclear consultancy in the Middle East and technical adviser to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Enec), and EDF Energy, the UK’s largest nuclear generator, are bringing EDF’s nuclear leadership programme to the UAE to support the development of talent and a safety culture.
“The nuclear industry is unique in its approach to collective learning, particularly in safety,” said Mike Harrison, EDF’s director of safety and assurance for generation. “The passion among all organisations, including EDF Energy and Atkins, to share knowledge and expertise is unlike any other industry.”
Nuclear academics say the move can only enrich Emirati students in the field. “I’ve worked with EDF on outreach and education programmes and they are a major player in established and new nuclear builds in Europe,” said Dr Anthony Hechanova, head of advanced energy technology at Abu Dhabi Polytechnic.
“I believe that the UAE nuclear programme would benefit greatly from the decades of experience that Atkins and EDF could bring.”
The country is in need of these programmes because it is a new industry here. “The UAE is the first country in a long time to enter nuclear energy from scratch,” said Dr Alexander Solodov, Khalifa University’s assistant professor in nuclear engineering.
“It’s very important to have those programmes to build human capacity, human capital and to also instil the knowledge and the culture of safety, security and safeguards in the local workforce.”
The university at present has a masters of science in nuclear engineering and a minor in nuclear engineering for mechanical engineering undergraduates.
“The more we educate local people and workers about the nuclear programme here, the better it is,” Dr Solodov said. “Safety culture is vital because you can have the best equipment, materials and knowledge but culture is what determines how you are going to apply it and act on it.”
The leadership programme will be the first time both EDF and Atkins export their knowledge and skills in a commercial environment internationally.
“EDF Energy’s expertise and Atkins’ long-standing relationship in supporting the development of the UAE’s peaceful nuclear programme makes this a win for all involved,” said David Haboubi, Atkins’ head of strategy for Middle East and Africa Nuclear. “We have a deep knowledge of local processes, people and culture, which will complement EDF Energy’s world-reknowned leadership development programme.”
cmalek@thenational.ae