A national poll on nuclear energy has shown that 83 per cent of UAE residents are in favour of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Programme. The research shows some of the highest favourability rates for nuclear energy in the world and is now at 83 per cent – an increase of 13 per cent since the last poll conducted in 2013.

Strong levels of awareness and support for the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant to eventually provide up to 25 per cent of the nation’s electricity were also shown, with 92 per cent of residents stating they believed it to be important for the UAE.

The poll was commissioned by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and conducted by the independent global market research specialists Kantar TNS. The survey is part of the ENEC’s community outreach programme, which involves a range of activities including public forums, educational initiatives and participation in nationally significant events.

“The results of this survey show that the ENEC’s regular and active engagement with the public is increasingly successful,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of ENEC. “The findings of the research conclude that the UAE residents support the development of peaceful nuclear energy because it plays a strategic role in powering the future growth of the nation,” added Al Hammadi.

The ENEC “remains committed to investing resources in the development of stakeholder engagement activities and communication campaigns designed to further explain the benefits of nuclear energy in generating electricity with near-zero carbon emissions and offer career opportunities for talented UAE nationals”, said the corporation.

Al Hammadi added: “It is encouraging to know that so many UAE residents are not only aware of the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy but actively support the work we are doing at Barakah, with 90 per cent of respondents believing that the ENEC is building our plant at Barakah to the highest standards of safety and quality.”

More than 750 people were interviewed across the UAE as part of the study. The group of respondents was reflective of the demographics of the UAE, said the ENEC. “The UAE’s approach to the development of a peaceful nuclear energy programme continues to receive strong support from the international community, as a benchmark for countries interested in exploring nuclear energy for the first time.”