ENEC Inspires At Abu Dhabi Science Festival 2015

23.11.15

The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) hosted a workshop for the third year in a row at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) which saw more than 1,600 budding engineers learn how to build their first gadget.

The workshop taught 9-12 year olds how to use motors, switches, lights and lasers, to learn how to program and control their first mini-computer and discover the world of physical computing – programming that relates to devices we use in every-day life. The children learnt how to build a range of gadgets including a Hollywood-style laser trip-wire, a ‘tremble alarm’ that detects movement or a robot that could rescue someone from a burning building.

H.E. Mohamed Al Hammadi, CEO of ENEC commented: “ADSF is an excellent platform to inspire and excite our youth about the wonders of science and engineering. The UAE has a genuine shortage of scientists and engineers, so it is important for children’s natural interest in these fields to be encouraged and cultivated as much as possible.”

“With a multitude of high-tech and clean energy industries developing across the nation today, there are so many exciting career opportunities for science and engineering graduates. At ENEC, we are committed to nurturing our nation’s top talent in these fields. A career in nuclear energy demands critical thinking, an enquiring mind and dedication, but it also promises an exciting and rewarding career path. We hope these workshops help to inspire many future nuclear energy pioneers.”

Taking place at Mushrif Central Park, ENEC hosted the workshop every day for the duration of the festival, until 22nd November. The workshops lasted for around 45 minutes at the Inventor School at ADSF.

The 5th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) was held under the patronage of His Highness General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

ENEC is committed to developing local talent in the science, engineering and nuclear technology fields, in order to ensure that Emiratis play a critical role in the UAE’s nuclear energy sector. To achieve this goal, ENEC offers a range of scholarships and career opportunities to the most promising young Emirati students through its Energy Pioneers program.

By 2020, ENEC will require approximately 2,500 employees to power the UAE’s peaceful nuclear energy program, and ensure the safe and efficient operation of its four nuclear energy plants. The Barakah Nuclear Power Plant (Barakah NPP), the site of ENEC’s nuclear energy program will eventually consist of four nuclear power generating units, safely housed in two plants, with a combined capacity of approximately 5,600 MW.

Barakah Unit 1 is now more than 81% complete, Unit 2 almost 60% complete, and construction of the overall Units 1 to 4 program is now over 54% complete. All four units will be delivering safe, clean, reliable and efficient nuclear energy to the UAE grid by 2020, pending regulatory reviews and licensing.