More states seek nuclear power: Al Baradei

Dubai: Nuclear power drives the engine of every developed country as they strive towards steady sustainable energy supply, Dubai Global Energy Forum was told yesterday.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Forum, organised by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

Addressing the forum, Dr Mohammad Al Baradei, former director general of the International Atomic Energy Authority, said today there is a growing appetite for nuclear energy as nations face the challenge to achieve sufficiency in energy supply. The UAE is among the 30 countries that seek to develop nuclear power, the Nobel laureate said.

Energy is the lifeblood of all communities and it is a prerequisite to achieve sustainable development and prosperity, Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, Vice-Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, said.

Common vision

"This Forum emphasises our willingness to work with the entire world to achieve our common vision to develop a sustainable environmentally friendly planet that leads to the well-being of all mankind," he said.

"It is very important to have a forward-looking vision of the needs of future generations. In the UAE, this vision has resulted in initiatives to seek out and develop renewable and alternative energy sources to secure a bright sustainable and environmentally-friendly energy future for our coming generations," Al Tayer said.

Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam, former president of India and Adnan Ameen, Director General of International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena) are among the speakers at the forum.