Abu Dhabi: The Middle East's oil producers must develop alternative forms of energy soon, including nuclear power, as world oil demand grows and pushes prices higher, organisers of an upcoming energy conference said.

"Oil prices are rising, demand is changing and the global challenge is to meet the huge energy demand in future," said Dr Michael Ohadi, Chief Academic Officer of the Petroleum Institute in Abu Dhabi.

"The prime issue in future is to come up with innovative and alternative forms of energy reserves and technologies.

"The Middle East must start thinking of alternative energy seriously including nuclear energy," Ohadi said.

He cited France as an example — the country has little oil reserves but is rich in technology. The Middle East, with plenty of oil, needs to develop new technologies.

The Petroleum Institute will host the first international Energy 2030 conference from November 1-2, in the capital.

It is being held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

"This region also needs to examine energy forms such as solar and even bio-mass because of the huge quantities of waste produced," said Ohadi.

Energy 2030 will be on a bi-annual basis bringing together experts from around the world to discuss current and emerging technologies in the recovery, supply and utilisation of energy resources.

"We have selected the year 2030 as the junction that many experts believe will present new challenges for cost-effective recovery and utilisation of the existing fossil fuels,"
he said.

Both, fossil fuels and alternative energies will be discussed at the conference.

Stanley Carvalho, Staff Reporter

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