UAE and region 'must switch to renewable energy'

Abu Dhabi: A transformation from conventional to renewable energy in the GCC is imperative, but it will take at least 15 years because scientific know-how and practical applications in these countries are limited, said a senior official.

Ali Abdullah Al Owais, Undersecretary of the UAE's Ministry of Energy said: "The biggest question is how should we view the future of energy in the Gulf region given the total reliance on hydrocarbon sources."

He told a conference organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research that there was a huge demand for energy in the region and the UAE's energy demands also rose by 15 per cent from 2006.

Statistics reveal the world energy demand is likely to rise by 50 per cent in 2030 while in the Gulf region the demand is likely to rise by 70 per cent.

"Nuclear energy is considered the optimal means to generate electricity power in the world today. In 2006, there were about 442 nuclear plants in 44 countries. The Gulf states are obliged to make the necessary preparations to use this sort of energy," Al Owais said.

He said GCC states had adopted a joint programme to develop nuclear energy for electricity generation and water desalination. Quoting an initial feasibility study conducted by the GCC Secretariat, Al Owais said nuclear energy is expected to enter the Arab Gulf states' markets in 2025.

He added nuclear power plants are three times more expensive than building a commercial fossil fuel-based power generation plant, take over 15 years to build and can only provide energy for 30 years once built.

"It is important for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to have a closer look at the future of nuclear power," said Dr Holger Rogner, Head of the Planning and Economic Studies Section at the IAEA, a speaker at the conference.

Rogner said over the past decades, several factors had resulted in a reduction of interest in nuclear power.

"But today, investors, the nuclear industry and governments are reconsidering nuclear power capabilities as attractive option."

However, according to Professor Ali Sayigha, Chairman of the World Renewable Energy Congress (WREC) and Director-General, World Renewable Energy Network (WREN) in the UK, the answer to the growing energy demand is to adopt renewable energy.

"Nuclear energy is a fantasy that should not be entertained."

He said according to a recent report the cost of cleaning up 20 nuclear reactors in the UK is estimated to be more than $150 billion [Dh551b].

"The UAE and this region should rely on renewable energy resources," he said.