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2017-11-12

National Challenges: Nuclear Power Safety and Security

By: Dr. John R.Ballard
Former Dean of the National Defense College

National power is normally defined in terms of military, economic, diplomatic or cultural (information) capabilities, but one form of traditional power, nuclear energy, has a uniquely important place on the international scene. Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei indicated the first of our UAE nuclear reactors would begin operations next year, with a goal to produce nearly 30 percent of our energy by 2021. Becoming a member of the “nuclear club” sets a nation apart. Preparing for operations at Barakah will require creative strategic thinking and precise safety procedures; both will be needed to ensure that the UAE’s access to nuclear energy increases security in the region instead of only increasing our strategic risk.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) defines nuclear safety as “the achievement of proper operating conditions, prevention of accidents or mitigation of accident consequences, resulting in protection of workers, the public and the environment from undue radiation hazards.” It defines nuclear security as “the prevention and detection of and response to, theft, sabotage, unauthorized access, illegal transfer or other malicious acts involving nuclear material, other radioactive substances or their associated facilities.” As the nuclear power facility at Barakah begins operations next year, the UAE will have to deal with both safety and security; and both require different kinds of thinking.

There is no doubt that today’s complex and highly technical nuclear reactor systems failures are the most challenging design projects on earth; complex, multifactor accidents are unavoidable and must be anticipated. Nuclear power plant complexity is also complicated by extremely long usage timelines; the period from initial construction through final radioactive waste disposal may be a century or longer. Since the horrible Fukushima disaster some people have even doubted whether even an advanced nation can master both nuclear safety and security. This gives the UAE the chance to set a new world standard among nuclear nations.

FANR, the Federal Agency for Nuclear Regulation, has ensured comprehensive safety measures inside Barakah, but external threats could remain a challenge. Catastrophic scenarios such as terrorist attacks, sabotage, geological disasters and cyberattacks worry nuclear officials around the globe. The UAE has taken exemplary measures to reduce risk, but will certainly have to remain ever vigilant. The Armed Forces, the Ministry of Interior and many other government agencies will need to work together to guarantee exterior security at the site and at all access routes.

Safe, nuclear power is definitely worth the effort. It is economically astute, technologically beneficial, and its safe use elevates the reputation of the UAE to the highest levels. The UAE hosted a first of its kind Gulf International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power this month to discuss challenges related to nuclear power as well as innovations and technological advances as a first step in entering the nuclear club. This is a great first step towards a brighter future. Effectively employing nuclear safety and security will help reduce tensions and are the best ways to maintain regional stability. Doing so effectively will require exemplary attention to detail and an ability to navigate the most complex interrelationships on the planet, but doing so wisely will set the UAE in a unique position in the region as a role model for energy development. And, it will also ensure greater prosperity for the UAE, as long as safety and security are assured.

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