Posted on 03/26/2008 3:39:54 PM PDT by kiriath_jearim
The United Arab Emirates has approved plans to pursue a nuclear power programme, saying it would invest $100m in an agency that plans to make it the first Arab state to develop atomic energy.
The cabinet approved a plan for the formation of the Nuclear Energy Implementation Organisation, which will work alongside the International Atomic Energy Agency – the United Nations watchdog – as it builds nuclear power facilities. The government said it would import uranium, shunning the uranium enrichment process, the most sensitive aspect of a nuclear development programme.
The move confirms the intention of the oil-rich federation to press ahead with a domestic nuclear programme separate from the Gulf Co-operation Council’s plans for a joint scheme. The GCC, which groups Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman, has even called on Iran to co-operate in a joint nuclear development plan in an attempt to defuse tensions over the Islamic republic’s nuclear programme, which Arab states fear could lead to Tehran developing nuclear weapons.
The UAE, despite having some of the most abundant hydrocarbon resources, says it needs to develop nuclear power to sate strong demand for electricity and water by the fast-growing populations of Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
“Peaceful nuclear power-generation represents an environmentally promising and commercially competitive option, which could make a significant contribution to the UAE’s economy and energy security,” the UAE government said.
The Opec member is also exploring options for alternative energy, such as solar, wind and hydrogen power. Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy initiative Masdar said last month it would invest $22bn (€14bn, £11bn) in a carbon-neutral, waste-free city – a project it hopes will become a blueprint.
The government said it would publish details of its programme and co-operate with international agencies and governments in the building of its atomic plants.
It has already signed a nuclear co-operation deal with France, while a French consortium has submitted proposals for the construction of two nuclear reactors.
The UAE could be a target-rich environment for Iran. I assume we have given UAE assurances to the contrary.
Gosh...seems like they really need to invest in a nuclear project at Mecca. It just seems like such a logical place for that kind of project.....
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