UAE and South Korea Expand Nuclear Cooperation and Explore AI Innovations

The United Arab Emirates is poised to deepen its collaborative efforts with South Korea, particularly in the fields of energy regulation, small modular reactors, and artificial intelligence. This initiative is built upon the successful Barakah nuclear project, a testament to the fruitful partnership that has emerged since South Korea undertook the construction of four reactors in Barakah, located approximately 270 kilometers west of Abu Dhabi.

Christer Viktorsson, Director General of the UAE's Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation, noted in a recent interview that the insights gained from South Korean partners have been invaluable to the project's success. With all four reactors now operating efficiently and contributing to roughly 25% of the UAE's energy supply, this partnership is regarded as a model for other nations venturing into nuclear energy.

Viktorsson articulated the significant advantages of South Korea's seasoned expertise in nuclear power, emphasizing their long-standing operational history, which has provided the UAE with critical learning opportunities. He acknowledged the support from South Korean counterparts in bolstering the UAE's regulatory capacity, particularly through the training of experts since the establishment of the nuclear authority.

Looking ahead, Viktorsson expressed a keen interest in collaborating further with South Korea in the realm of artificial intelligence. He believes that AI could play a pivotal role in enhancing the safety of nuclear operations through real-time monitoring, predictive maintenance, and anomaly detection. Advanced AI-driven tools promise to improve simulation training, accelerate decision-making during emergencies, and enhance communication systems for efficient incident response.

Additionally, the UAE seeks to explore developments in the small modular reactor sector, which Viktorsson identified as a promising solution for meeting energy demands across various industries, including water desalination and manufacturing. He underscored the importance of being prepared to regulate such technologies, should the UAE government decide to pursue SMR projects.

While Viktorsson refrained from commenting on recent financial setbacks faced by Korea Electric Power Corporation related to delays in the Barakah project, he expressed optimism for a resolution among the involved parties. The financial challenges highlighted by Kepco, including reported losses due to project delays, underscore the complexities of international nuclear collaborations.

Ultimately, Viktorsson emphasized the unique and effective model of cooperation that has been established with South Korea, which is now being showcased by the International Atomic Energy Agency as a framework for other nations. He reaffirmed the commitment to safety and sustainability, noting that the Barakah plant continues to deliver clean energy to the UAE's population and industries.