Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC) has announced the appointment of George Vanderheyden as chief nuclear officer, effective December 2012.
In this role, Vanderheyden will oversee operations and operational strategic planning of the UAE’s proposed commercial nuclear fleet. Vanderheyden is responsible for the safety of operations and protection of public health and safety. He will also serve as the liaison with the UAE’s Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation (FANR), as well as other national and international organizations.
Vanderheyden has previously served as president and CEO of UniStar Nuclear Energy, where he led efforts to develop a fleet of four new $10 billion nuclear power plants — something not done in North America in 30 years. During his tenure, he built the joint venture from five people into a $1.2-billion and 1000-employee engineering, procurement and construction development team.