Emirati students complete nuclear energy internship in South Korea

A future career in the nuclear industry could be in store for ten Emirati students enrolled in an eight-week internship in South Korea.

The programme mixed science and culture to introduce Khalifa University undergraduates to life in the country and experience of key organisations in the nuclear industry.

During their time in South Korea, the students developed their capabilities in understanding nuclear energy as well as science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), reported state news agency Wam on Friday.

Organised by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC), the internship is a partnership with the International Nuclear Graduate School, KINGS, a subsidiary of the Korea Electric Power Corporation, (KEPCO).

Students completed intensive training on nuclear energy systems and also received an introduction to Korean culture.

They took part in a series of nuclear energy familiarisation courses and training at a variety of research facilities, nuclear energy plants and institutions around South Korea.

Now in its second edition, the internship aims to nurture students’ academic knowledge while providing them with experience they can carry forward into a future career in the nuclear industry.

By 2050, the UAE aims to have 6 per cent of its power driven by nuclear energy.

A $25 billion contract was awarded to South Korea in 2009 to build the first nuclear power plant in the Arab world.

Four APR-1400 nuclear reactors will be used at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant in Al Dhafra, 280 kilometres west of Abu Dhabi.

The student internship is the result of ENEC and its subsidiary Nawah Energy Company’s commitment to developing UAE National capabilities in nuclear energy and STEM subjects.

ENEC and Nawah offer a wide range of scholarships, training and education programmes for UAE Nationals, which include undergraduate, postgraduate and vocational courses spanning every aspect of the nuclear energy industry.