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N-Reactors to Generate Cheap and Clean Electricity

Nuclear Reactors to Generate Cheap and Clean Electricity

(Staff Report)

28 December 2009

ABU DHABI - The Government of Abu Dhabi established the Emirate Nuclear Energy Corporation, or ENEC, following an evaluation of its future energy needs that found out that the nation would need to substantially increase its generating capacity to meet its expected electricity demand. The UAE’s evaluation of its energy needs was wide-ranging and found that volumes of natural gas made available to the nation’s electricity sector, would be insufficient to meet the future demand. It also found out that the burning of crude oil or diesel would be logistically viable, but costly and environmentally harmful. “That coal-fired power generation while potentially cheaper, would be environmentally unacceptable, and potentially vulnerable from a security of supply standpoint,” according to the evaluation study. The evaluation suggested that the deployment of renewable and other alternative energy supplies, while desirable, would only be able to supply approximately 6-7 per cent of the required electricity generation capacity by 2020. The four factors that supported the decision to begin the program included economics, security of fuel supply, environment and industrial development. Economics: Well-run nuclear energy plants are among the most efficient producers of electricity. Security of Fuel Supply: Nuclear power plants have high availability factors in excess of 90 per cent and can operate for 18-24 months on a single fuel load. Environment: Nuclear plants emit no greenhouse gases and represent an important tool for combating climate change. Industrial Development: A sustainable nuclear energy programme will create new service industries and high-value jobs, while enhancing economic development throughout the UAE. haseebhaider@khaleejtimes.com

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