UAE establishes Nuclear Energy Corporation

President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, by decree has established the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the organisation charged with implementing the UAE nuclear energy program as it produces electricity, supports economic development, and provides opportunity for the people of the nation.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has issued Decree No.86 of the year 2009 establishing the Board of Directors of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. The board members are: H.E. Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman H.E. Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Deputy Chairman Jasem Mohamed Al Zaabi, Member Mohamed Sahu Al Suwaidi, Member David F. Scott, Member "This is a proud moment for the United Arab Emirates, as we take a strategic step to fuel the continued social and economic growth of our nation with nuclear energy," said ENEC Chief Executive Officer Mohamed Al Hammadi. "We take this step with a deep understanding of the responsibility we have to the world community to use this technology wisely and safely." ENEC's establishment is the culmination of nearly three years of evaluation and groundwork, during which the government looked at the most effective way to address growing energy demand. Figures show demand for electricity nearly doubling in the UAE by 2020.

"We have conducted a comprehensive evaluation of all forms of energy generation, and we have come to the conclusion that nuclear energy represents an attractive source of electricity to meet our energy demands," said Al Hammadi. "Additionally, we are confident that we can develop this technology safely and efficiently, and begin producing electricity for the homes, businesses and people of the UAE in 2017."

ENEC is now in the final stages of negotiating with teams of contractors who are bidding to design, build and help operate the plants. Actual construction, starting with the first pouring of safety-related concrete, will commence in 2012. A decision on which team will be selected as Prime Contractor is expected to be made shortly.