The UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) has granted a new licence to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), enabling it to search nationwide for suitable locations to dispose of low-level nuclear waste. This move, announced during a press briefing highlighting FANR’s achievements in 2024 and plans for 2025, is part of the UAE’s strategy to ensure safe and efficient nuclear waste management.

Low-level nuclear waste, which includes items like gloves, filters, and tools used in plant operations, is not highly dangerous. However, it must still be safely isolated for up to 100 years to eliminate any remaining radiation, according to FANR Director General Christer Viktorsson. Currently, this waste is securely stored in on-site containers at the reactors, but the growing volume from the UAE’s four reactors necessitates finding a permanent disposal solution.

Once ENEC identifies a suitable site that meets all safety and environmental requirements, it will receive further licences for construction and operation. Viktorsson emphasized that only ENEC, a government-owned company in Abu Dhabi, is authorized to carry out this work. While there is no set deadline for ENEC to finalize a location, FANR aims for operations to begin between 2030 and 2032.

The authority is also preparing for the future management of high-level nuclear waste, such as used nuclear fuel. Currently, this waste is stored in water pools near the reactors, which shield radiation and keep the fuel cool. These pools can hold the fuel safely for up to 20 years, after which it will need to move to an intermediate storage site. FANR plans to build a new interim storage facility to manage this high-level waste safely.

In addition to licensing efforts, Viktorsson highlighted FANR’s broader initiatives in nuclear safety and research. Last year, the authority conducted over 200 inspections across medical and industrial facilities using radiation. It also launched 15 international research collaborations focusing on reactor materials and radiation safety.

The UAE’s steps toward enhancing nuclear waste management reflect its commitment to maintaining safe and sustainable nuclear energy operations.