Myths and Facts

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Myth:
Radiation does not occur naturally.

Fact: 
There are both natural and artificial sources of radiation that we live with safely every day. Cosmic radiation from the sun is an example of natural radiation. Examples of artificial radiation include medical x-rays and kitchen microwaves.

Myth: 
Nuclear energy facilities are not safe.

Fact:  
The performance records of hundreds of nuclear energy facilities operating in more than 30 countries have demonstrated that nuclear energy is safe. The World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) tracks data on plant performance, including safety system performance, fuel reliability and industrial accident rates.

In the UAE, the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR) will ensure that the country’s nuclear energy plant is safe, secure and reliable.

Myth:
Nuclear reactors can explode like bombs.

Fact: 
It is not possible for a nuclear energy plant to explode like a bomb because the enrichment level of the uranium is too low. Nuclear energy plants are designed to produce electricity safely and reliably.

Myth: 
Growth of the nuclear energy industry has stalled.

Fact:  
Nuclear energy is rapidly expanding on a global scale. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), 53 reactors are under construction in 19 countries. 

Myth: 
Nuclear energy provides only a small amount of electricity.

Fact:
According to the World Nuclear Association (WNA), 30 countries worldwide operate over 440 nuclear reactors for electricity. Further, nuclear energy plants provide nearly 11 percent of the world’s electricity and 13 countries relied on nuclear energy to provide at least one-quarter of their total electricity.

Myth: 
Nuclear energy facilities cannot safely manage used nuclear fuel.

Fact:  
For decades, countries around the world have safely managed used nuclear fuel. In the UAE, the government is currently reviewing long-term storage options

Myth: 
Nuclear energy is bad for the environment.

Fact:
During operation, nuclear energy facilities produce no carbon emissions. More than one-third of man-made greenhouse gases are caused by burning fossil fuels to generate electricity. Because nuclear energy facilities do not burn fossil fuels, they do not emit these gases. In the UAE, the introduction of nuclear energy will help our nation to achieve its climate change targets by saving up to 21 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.

We are also working under the regulation of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), who provide oversight to ensure the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant is constructed and operated in an environmentally sustainable manner.