Gulf | Saudi Arabia
Experts: Atomic and renewable energy provides Saudi Arabia with clean energy and saves oil reserves
William Cohen, former US Defence Secretary, who chaired on Tuesday a US trade delegation during his visit to the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, said that such projects would not serve Saudi Arabia alone, but also the region, particularly neighbouring countries.
- By Abdul Nabi Shaheen, Correspondent
- Published: 17:45 April 20, 2010
- Image Credit: Gulf News
Riyadh: Nuclear energy officials and experts welcomed the decision taken by King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud on Saturday for the establishment of King Abdullah city of atomic and renewable energy.
In statements to Gulf News, they expressed belief that there is an urgent need for the Kingdom to introduce this new technology, which they said will contribute to a major scientific leap in addition to providing the Kingdom with its needs of clean energy as well as contributing to saving of strategic reserves of fossil energy for future generations.
William Cohen, former US Defence Secretary, who chaired on Tuesday a US trade delegation during his visit to the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce, said that such projects would not serve Saudi Arabia alone, but also the region, particularly neighbouring countries.
He referred in this respect to the great importance the world attaches to the issue of alternative energy and the availability of new sources of energy.
Cohen said such decisions are of great importance especially with regard to preservation of environment which goes in line with the global trend adopted by all countries of the world.
For his part, a Saudi professor said that the project would enable the country to meet the growing demand for electricity and desalinated water, and would be act as a great support to rationalise of oil consumption.
Professor Mutlaq Al Otaibi, who is specialised in the field of nuclear energy, noted the great significance of the decision taken by King Abdullah.
"The positive impact of King Abdullah City of atomic and renewable energy will include dimensions other than water and electricity, especially in the areas of medical and agricultural applications which are important to the life of citizens", he sai
He stressed that the project would realise the concept and motto of saving oil for future generations and would enable Saudi Arabia to contribute to production of clean energy and nuclear energy for peaceful use.
Professor Al Otaibi outlined that the use of nuclear technology in water desalination in the Kingdom would inevitably reduce the cost of water production compared to the currently used technology which is based on the use of crude oil and its derivatives for production of electric power.
"In addition to that it will save to the Kingdom and the future generations millions of cubic meters of crude oil, as well as contributing to reduction of environmental pollution and air pollution due to gas emissions from burning oil."
For his part, Dr. Fawaz Al Ajmi, an expert in the field of atomic energy, said that despite the continued need for oil energy, the kingdom and other Gulf countries could benefit from this alternative energy, particularly as it is cheaper and saves oil and gas for future generations.
"I expect that this advanced scientific project will have a significant impact on the kingdom in the scientific and research fields, and will contribute to realisation of scientific boom, as this energy relies on the advanced science and accurate research", he added
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