Introduction
The main goal of sustainable development is to preserve or increase the wealth (natural wealth created by human labor and human resources or social achievements) for future generations and, at the same time, minimize the consumption of non-renewable resources and eliminate ecosystem overload. The development of nuclear energy expands the base of natural resources that can be used for energy production, increases human resources and human capital created by human labor, and, with safe handling, has almost no impact on ecosystems. This report will be dedicated to the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), which seeks to expand the use of this type of energy for the sustainable development aspect of the community.
Sustainability Definition and Theories
The concept of sustainable development is a model for the development of human civilization based on the need to maintain a balance between solving social and economic problems and preserving the natural environment. Thus, sustainable development is understood as the development that meets the needs of the present but does not jeopardize the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Salvia et al., 2019). Sustainable development is a socio-natural development that considers environmental and other global imperatives (United Nations, n.d.). In contrast to economically determined unstable development, it represents a system of co-evolution of society and nature.
Sustainable development is understood as the controlled development of a society that does not destroy its biological basis and ensures civilization’s survival and continuous development. Sustainable development is regulated development: purposeful control over ongoing changes, forecasting, and compensation of development’s most dangerous instabilities and imbalances (Hickel, 2019). The universal paradigm of sustainable development should be considered the onset of a qualitatively new stage of human development. Individual states and the entire world community organize purposeful and coordinated activities to neutralize the entire negative complex of social, economic, and environmental imbalances.
Increases in Efficiency
Nuclear power contributes to a significant improvement in all aspects of the functioning of society. Globally, nuclear power currently avoids approximately 600 million tons of carbon emissions annually – almost as much as hydropower (ENEC, n.d.). In nuclear power plant (NPP) operation, primarily amortized, the initial investment can often be the most cost-effective way to reduce carbon emissions accompanying electricity production (ENEC, n.d.). The Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, built by ENEC in the Al Dhafra District of Abu Dhabi, is the first nuclear energy facility in the United Arab Emirates (ENEC, 2021). With a total installed capacity of about 5,600 Megawatts, the Barakah Plant comprises four third-generation Advanced Power Reactor (APR-1400) nuclear energy generating units and the facilities that go with them (ENEC, 2021). Once fully operational, the Barakah Plant is anticipated to supply up to 25% of the UAE’s electrical needs (ENEC, 2021). Thus, the company makes a significant contribution to the development of the community, taking into account financial, natural, and social aspects.
ENEC handles all corporate procurement needs, including those for expert services, ICT hardware, and site-specific support services. The Procurement and Supply Chain (PSC) division of ENEC offers centralized contracting and procurement services, guaranteeing that ENEC purchases its goods and services under the best possible terms and conditions and in strict with statutory and regulatory requirements, hence advancing ENEC’s sustainability goals (ENEC, n.d.). The team is mandated and given authority by the Enterprise Roadmap for Plant Sustainability, Localization, and Future Business Growth (Roadmap) to create a localized, sustainable nuclear supply chain and to encourage foreign suppliers to open new facilities in the UAE (ENEC, n.d.). Thus, the company meets all the necessary standards of sustainable development.
Financial, Social and Environmental Aspects
With the establishment of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program, the Enterprise has made sustainability a priority. The initiative is the largest decarbonization project in the Arab world and the UAE’s most significant sustainable energy source. The Enterprise’s sustainability framework is built around three Sustainability Value Pillars that provide the UAE with safe, clean, efficient, and reliable energy, supporting economic growth by minimizing our environmental impact and generating value for the public by enabling employees (ENEC, 2021). From the beginning of construction to plant operations to the final decommissioning of the nuclear energy plant, all sustainability issues identified as material are handled. ENEC created a specialized Business and Industrial Development team to collaborate with UAE businesses to ensure they satisfy the exacting technical and quality requirements necessary to submit bids for the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program (ENEC, 2021). Thus, the organization takes into account various aspects of sustainable development in its activities through the use of technologies and materials (United Nations, n.d.). This has an impact on improving the overall standard of living in the community.
Conclusion
The choice of technologies contributing to sustainable development in each country is its sovereign right. Each country will need a set of technologies that meet its needs and the state of affairs. Given the advantages of nuclear energy in terms of contributing to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals, it should become an essential part of such a complex in many countries. This positive aspect can be traced through the activities of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), which actively promotes the idea of using nuclear energy as a basis for the community’s sustainable development.
References
ENEC. (n.d.). Health, safety, environment and sustainability. Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. Web.
Hickel, J. (2019). The contradiction of the sustainable development goals: Growth versus ecology on a finite planet. Sustainable Development, 27(5), 873–884. Web.
Salvia, A. L., Leal Filho, W., Brandli, L. L., & Griebeler, J. S. (2019). Assessing research trends related to Sustainable Development Goals: local and global issues. Journal of Cleaner Production, 208, 841–849. Web.
The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). (2021). Sustainability report 2021. HSESTeam.
United Nations. (n.d.). The 17 goals | Sustainable development. Web.