Abu Dhabi: The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Biennial General Meeting is scheduled to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, from September 28 to 30, 2024. This marks the first time the event will take place in the Middle East region. The decision to host the meeting in Abu Dhabi comes after the appointment of Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Managing Director and CEO of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), as the first Emirati and first Arab President of WANO in October 2022.
Abu Dhabi and the UAE have emerged as a global standard for the safe and secure delivery of peaceful nuclear energy, adhering to the highest standards of safety, quality, and non-proliferation. The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, operated by ENEC, has played a vital role in decarbonizing the UAE’s energy sector and has significantly contributed to the nation’s economic development, ensuring energy security and sustainability.
We are proud that Abu Dhabi will host the upcoming WANO Biennial General Meeting and, as WANO’s President, I look forward to championing our collective mission to drive nuclear excellence in operational safety and reliability. Global forecasts highlight the need to double the global nuclear fleet to support the achievement of Net Zero 2050. We therefore must ensure we support newcomer nations and nations expanding their existing fleet to meet the highest standards of nuclear excellence to ensure safe and reliable electricity generation.
Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Al Hammadi, President of WANO, commented.
“At ENEC, we will continue leveraging our experience of working with the global nuclear energy industry to deliver the Barakah Plant, collaborating with key nuclear organisations in the international community to support the development of advanced nuclear technologies, Mr. Al Hammadi added.
ENEC became a member of WANO in October 2010, and in August 2015, Mr. Al Hammadi was elected to the WANO Atlanta Center Governing Board.
Established in 1989, WANO consists of 120 members from approximately 30 countries, responsible for operating over 430 nuclear energy reactors worldwide, including in the US, Europe, and Asia. The organization is committed to achieving a set of ambitious industry targets by 2030, facilitating the exchange of information and best practices to ensure the highest standards of nuclear safety for every country and company involved in civil nuclear operations.