Saudis plan nuclear center but will rely on crude for energy
ABU DHABI — Saudi Arabia plans to establish a nuclear research
center focusing on water
desalination and power.
Officials said the Gulf Arab kingdom has approved plans for a nuclear
center that would focus on civilian applications.
At this point, officials said, the Saudi government intends to use its
vast crude oil supplies to maintain electricity generation. At the same
time, the kingdom has been investing $80 billion to increase power
generation capacity from the current 46,000 megawatts to 67,000 megawatts by
2020.
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"The kingdom is witnessing sustained growth in demand for power and
desalinated water due to high population growth and subsidized prices of
water and power," the official Saudi Press Agency said on April 17.
The nuclear center was ordered by King Abdullah and would be headed by
former Trade Minister Hashem Bin Abdullah Yamani. Officials said the center
would be responsible for research and help negotiate nuclear agreements and
contracts.
Saudi Arabia has been one of six Gulf Cooperation Council states that
sought to launch nuclear energy and research programs. The trend began
in 2009 amid progress in Iran's nuclear program, said by the United States
to be heading toward weapons capability.
Riyad said nuclear reactors could help fill the rising demand in
electricity in the Saudi kingdom. In 2009, electricity demand was said to
have grown by more than eight percent.
"Thus the use of alternative, sustainable, reliable sources to produce
electricity and desalinate water reduces reliance on hydrocarbons extends
the lifespan of hydrocarbon resources and preserves it as a source of income
for a longer time," SPA said.
