The UAE is capable of setting up a nuclear power programme within ten years, according to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Speaking exclusively to UME, Hans-Holger Rogner, head of the planning and economic studies section at the IAEA, revealed: “Normally the process [of setting up a nuclear power programme] takes at least 10-15 years, but in the case of the UAE, with its financial capabilities, maybe it will be less than ten, but not by much.”
“The UAE is a bit different to other countries. They have the financial capability that is almost unequalled anywhere. So they have the opportunity to outsource and buy all kinds of knowledge and information and so on,” Rogner added. “But there are certain aspects, like the regulations and the political commitments, which you cannot outsource.”
The UAE government, through the GCC and representatives of its own, has been in contact with the IAEA on a number of occasions, seeking advice on a nuclear power programme in the country.
“We have a milestones document that lists around 19 elements, and we advise the member state interested in nuclear power to go step by step through them and self assess,” stressed Rogner.
“The UAE has taken the milestones components very, very seriously and we have reviewed the progress and there is not much we can say that they are not doing. They are not there yet, but they are on the right track,” he concluded.
Experts have commented that nuclear power is possibly the only way the UAE can provide adequate power amid the population growth.
Alstop Power communications manager Jonathan Tripp revealed that there is currently a lot of interest in nuclear from the Abu Dhabi government. “[The Abu Dhabi government] has been doing quite a lot of studies recently,” said Tripp. “They see nuclear as a potential solution for the future, but we are still waiting to see what comes out of their studies, its still in the research stage at the moment.”
He added: “Nuclear is probably one of the few ways that they will be able to power the UAE with its rapid expansion and growth.”
Tripp went on to describe current market conditions in the power sector as unpredictable, with power demand dropping as the growth in new buildings has slowed.
“If we look at what is being said by each of the power companies, they are investing in new technologies, new power plants or upgrading existing power plants to try and keep up with demand,” he said.
It was recently reported that the US is set to certify a nuclear agreement with the UAE with the aim of giving huge nuclear contracts in the UAE to US companies. President Barack Obama is expected to certify that the deal, signed in the last days of the Bush administration, is in US interest. It is thought that the deal will greatly benefit US nuclear power companies such as GE and Westinghouse.
Should the UAE develop a nuclear power programme, it is more than likely third generation reactors will be used. China recently started construction on its latest nuclear power project, which deploys third generation pressurised water reactors, developed by Westinghouse.
The improvements in the design of the third generation reactors include improved fuel technology, superior thermal efficiency, passive safety systems and standardised design for reduced maintenance and capital costs. The main difference from generation two reactors is that the newer version have a longer life.
It is thought the third generation reactors can last from 50-60 years, in comparison with the 20-30 years lifespan of the older technology.
