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National Poll Shows Strong Support for UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program |
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An independent national poll on nuclear energy shows the UAE public strongly supports the use of peaceful nuclear energy, with 82 percent of residents in favor of using nuclear energy for generating electricity and 91 percent stating that peaceful nuclear energy is important for the nation. Global figures from similar polls conducted in other countries demonstrate that the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program enjoys the highest acceptance levels in the world. The poll was commissioned by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) and conducted by independent global market research specialists Nielsen. The survey is part of ENEC’s commitment to community engagement and serves effectiveness to assess UAE residents` attitude to the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy program. “ENEC continues to maintain a strong commitment to transparency and public engagement to ensure widespread awareness and understanding about nuclear energy in the UAE,” said Mohamed Al Hammadi, Chief Executive Officer of ENEC. “It is encouraging to know that so many UAE residents are aware of the benefits of peaceful nuclear energy and actively support the work we are doing at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, with 96 percent of respondents believing that ENEC is building the plant to the highest standards of quality and safety.” In comparison to the previous opinion poll conducted in 2016, awareness of the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program has risen by seven percent. More specifically, understanding and acceptance of the construction of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant amongst residents of Al Dhafra region and UAE nationals throughout the UAE remains high. “ENEC is encouraged by the results of the study as UAE residents continue to support the development of peaceful nuclear energy and understand the strategic role it plays in powering the future growth of our nation. The UAE’s nuclear energy industry has already created thousands of high-value jobs in the country and continues to support the development of a knowledge-based economy and industrial capacity.,” added Al Hammadi. ENEC is committed to providing the UAE community with accurate and up-to-date information about the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program in line with the UAE’s commitment to complete operational transparency. As a low carbon energy source, nuclear energy will play an important role in the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, as well as supporting the delivery of the strategic initiatives identified in the Abu Dhabi Plan. “ENEC runs a comprehensive engagement and communication campaign to build the public perception and attitude towards nuclear energy and conducts regular public opinion surveys to measure the efficacy of the campaign. Results of the 2017 survey conducted by Nielsen have revealed that there is significant support amongst residents for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in UAE,” said Arslan Ashraf, Managing Director, Arabian Peninsula & Pakistan of Nielsen. “The survey also shows an improvement in perceptions with regards to nuclear energy and a high level of engagement with residents continues". |
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