ID :
160836
Mon, 02/14/2011 - 10:34
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/160836
The shortlink copeid
UAE approach demonstrates viability of a robust model for introduction of nuclear energy programs, Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi
Seoul, Feb 14, 2011 (WAM) - Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi - UAE Permanent Representative to the IAEA has said that UAE approach and contract with the Korean led consortium demonstrated the viability of a robust model for the introduction of nuclear energy programs in the gulf region.
A model that could serve as a viable approach for other GCC countries who experience similar challenges and conditions as the UAE.
Speaking at "GCC Days" here in Seoul, the UAE envoy said: "UAE partnership with the Korean nuclear industry has the potential to be expanded to support other GCC countries plans to develop new nuclear energy sectors in the region".
"Nuclear energy is emerging in the GCC as a proven, reliable, commercially competitive option to meet aggressive energy demand growth in the future. Nuclear program requires a set of capabilities and skills not readily availability in the GCC countries". A long term partner is a key for a successful deployment of any new nuclear energy program in the GCC countries, he added.
"South Korea with their extensive experience and advanced nuclear sector, constitute a viable long term partner to support the development of nuclear energy programs in the GCC region".
More progress is needed among the GCC countries on both national level and jointly to explore potential areas of cooperation in this area with the support of experienced international partners such as South Korea.
The IAEA expects the construction of at least 70 new nuclear energy facilities worldwide by 2030. What is driving this surge in nuclear energy adoption? Whether large or small, resource rich or poor, countries looking at nuclear are doing so for essentially the same reasons: global warming, energy independence and energy security.
"GCC countries are no exception to this, we are facing a period of huge increase in energy demand as we build the critical infrastructure we need to grow and develop. Such Growth is not possible without electricity", he pointed out.
By 2020, the UAE's energy demand will rise significantly reaching over 40,000 MW's - that's a rate of 9% per year. Other GCC countries are more or less experiencing the same projection.
To put that in perspective, global electricity demand will grow at a rate of 2.4% per year - the 9% energy demand is three times the global average When the Abu Dhabi government reviewed these figures in 2008, the UAE had the capacity to produce less than half of this electricity by 2020 - demonstrating a critical need for new, clean sources of electricity. He highlighted some of the challenges facing GCC countries in meeting future electricity demand include the following, which is true for the UAE and most GCC states.
"Our natural gas volumes are not sufficient to meet the full demand; this is true for all GCC except possibly one state, Burning liquid oil and diesel - is expensive and bad for the environment; this is a technically feasible option but the opportunity cost along with negative environmental impact makes it the not the preferred option".
"Coal-fired power, while it can be competitive from a cost perspective, it creates even worse environmental degradation; in addition to concerns related to the security of supply for the GCC.
"Alternative energy, such as solar and wind can only meet small portion of the demand. For the case of the UAE , even under aggressive development , renewables will only meet 6 - 7% of peak energy demand in 2020.
"This leads us to the conclusion that nuclear power is the most viable and compelling solution that will contribute significantly to GCC power needs in the future".
Nuclear energy provides answers to many of the issues faced with conventional energy sources in the areas of the environment, safety, economics, reliability and sustainability.
Many governments and public in the GCC are now supportive of the view that nuclear has a role to play in the generation of electricity, alongside other low carbon technologies. This is certainly the case in the UAE.
Far from being competitors, nuclear power and renewable energy are urgently needed as partners if we are to meet our future energy needs. Diversification of energy sources is key.
"From a UAE perspective, nuclear energy is the right choice because: It's a safe and proven technology, it's a clean technology, it makes economic sense, we can ensure security of supply, further, investment in nuclear energy will drive the growth of a major, high-tech industry".
The UAE's nuclear energy program along with any future GCC programs have the advantage of looking at the experience of almost 60 years of worldwide experience in the use of peaceful nuclear power.
Clearly, there are lessons to be learned, and these should be adapted and reviewed to ensure the program is based on the best practices of the international nuclear power industry.
"Safety and Non-proliferation as essential concerns need to be addressed, Partner with international nuclear organisations to incorporate global standards, such as WANO for example".
"Involve nuclear experts from around the world - experienced skilled forces are essential for the start up and initial phase of the program, particularly in countries with no significant nuclear sector such as the GCC.
Make a policy of Transparency mandatory, another key factor to address global concerns related to safety and non-proliferation".
"Adapt a reactor technology with advancement in safety, and operation reliability and efficiency. Working directly with the IAEA is obviously an essential part of any successful program. Work in partnership with governments and international firms is a key for success", he suggested.
This is where South Korea government and firms could play a significant role. South Korea is among world leaders in the nuclear energy industries. It has experienced in the past similar conditions that the GCC is experiencing today.
In particular, Power demand in (South Korea) has increased by more than 9% per year in early 1990s. This is similar to what the GCC experience now and the early future. South Korea started the journey with no nuclear expertise in the early 1960s with import of the first research reactor; later construction began of the first nuclear power plant at Kori-1. It started up in 1977 and achieved commercial operation in 1978.
After this there was a burst of activity, of new nuclear reactors construction and operation.
Today 21 reactors provide almost 40% of South Korea's electricity, over the years South Korea has developed a continued experience in the construction and operation of advanced nuclear power sector.
It is this experience, and following a comprehensive review of all the excellent bids from some of the world's top nuclear suppliers, UAE has determined that the Korean KEPCO team is best equipped to fulfil the government's partnership requirements to develop UAE nuclear energy ambitious program.
A contract was signed in December of 2009 to design, construct and jointly operate the first four nuclear power reactors in the UAE. A major milestones for both the UAE and South Korea, for the UAE it is the start of the new nuclear program and for South Korea is the first export of complete nuclear power plant.
The value of the contract equalled to approximately US$20 billion, why the UAE chose the Korean consortium let me briefly explain the main factors the UAE used to evaluate the offers. The evaluation focused on what characteristics among the competing consortia would translate into the best over-all fit in a partner for our program.
Evaluation Criteria was based on a full package evaluation of the offer presented by the consortium.
The technical evaluation process was designed to ensure final award is given to the optimum long-term partner Requirement of advancement in nuclear safety was a major factor : the Korean Advanced APR1400 design has demonstrated safety features ranked it among the top designs in safety advancement.
UAE Business model requires a Consortium to bid for the full scope of the work. Further the consortium should have approved programs in the field of technology, safety and security in conformity with the latest international standards. The Korean team has met these requirements, the UAE envoy said.
Another major factor was Procurement Process and Deliverability: a demonstration of ability to achieve the goals set by the UAE nuclear energy program to deliver power to the grid from the first reactor by 2017.
This is accompanied by the requirement for good construction track record, and ability to license the reactor.
Further contractual requirement included Commitment to the provisions of the contract which is designed to ensure alignment of interest from all contracting parties to archive the same goals.
In the area of operation capabilities, UAE Requirement included assessment of experience in operation of a fleet of nuclear power plants safely and efficiently.
Another factor was the Commercial Offer which included assessment of competitiveness in the total cost of electricity delivery.
Some of the unique requirements which the UAE has put extra focus on the area of Training capabilities and experience in human resources development. An area of high importance to new countries embarking on nuclear energy programs, he observed.
In the UAE view, such arrangement will further strengthen the business relationship and incentivise the partners to ensure that the necessary experience, technology and skills are available to achieve on-time and on-budget delivery and safe and reliable operation of the plants.
Additionally, which brings me to the next point, UAE and Korean counterparts have also agreed in principle to work together on business ventures in the utility and energy fields outside the boundaries of the UAE project.
This could include projects within the GCC countries energy sector. Obviously there are already some varying initiatives within the GCC countries to embark on nuclear energy programs however there are still more work to be done within the GCC on a national level and potentially for more joint cooperation in this area.
There are opportunities to share experience, of the UAE for example, with other GCC member states; this includes potential for cooperation in related policy framework, required infrastructure development, and potential cooperation in the development of relevant joint facilities.
Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi said: "This is consistent with the GCC leaders declaration on their interest to cooperate in the use of peaceful nuclear energy. In fact, a joint GCC team is already conducting studies to evaluate areas of potential joint cooperation in the nuclear energy field, which should help further focus on areas of high importance and value to the GCC states". - Emirates News Agency, WAM
A model that could serve as a viable approach for other GCC countries who experience similar challenges and conditions as the UAE.
Speaking at "GCC Days" here in Seoul, the UAE envoy said: "UAE partnership with the Korean nuclear industry has the potential to be expanded to support other GCC countries plans to develop new nuclear energy sectors in the region".
"Nuclear energy is emerging in the GCC as a proven, reliable, commercially competitive option to meet aggressive energy demand growth in the future. Nuclear program requires a set of capabilities and skills not readily availability in the GCC countries". A long term partner is a key for a successful deployment of any new nuclear energy program in the GCC countries, he added.
"South Korea with their extensive experience and advanced nuclear sector, constitute a viable long term partner to support the development of nuclear energy programs in the GCC region".
More progress is needed among the GCC countries on both national level and jointly to explore potential areas of cooperation in this area with the support of experienced international partners such as South Korea.
The IAEA expects the construction of at least 70 new nuclear energy facilities worldwide by 2030. What is driving this surge in nuclear energy adoption? Whether large or small, resource rich or poor, countries looking at nuclear are doing so for essentially the same reasons: global warming, energy independence and energy security.
"GCC countries are no exception to this, we are facing a period of huge increase in energy demand as we build the critical infrastructure we need to grow and develop. Such Growth is not possible without electricity", he pointed out.
By 2020, the UAE's energy demand will rise significantly reaching over 40,000 MW's - that's a rate of 9% per year. Other GCC countries are more or less experiencing the same projection.
To put that in perspective, global electricity demand will grow at a rate of 2.4% per year - the 9% energy demand is three times the global average When the Abu Dhabi government reviewed these figures in 2008, the UAE had the capacity to produce less than half of this electricity by 2020 - demonstrating a critical need for new, clean sources of electricity. He highlighted some of the challenges facing GCC countries in meeting future electricity demand include the following, which is true for the UAE and most GCC states.
"Our natural gas volumes are not sufficient to meet the full demand; this is true for all GCC except possibly one state, Burning liquid oil and diesel - is expensive and bad for the environment; this is a technically feasible option but the opportunity cost along with negative environmental impact makes it the not the preferred option".
"Coal-fired power, while it can be competitive from a cost perspective, it creates even worse environmental degradation; in addition to concerns related to the security of supply for the GCC.
"Alternative energy, such as solar and wind can only meet small portion of the demand. For the case of the UAE , even under aggressive development , renewables will only meet 6 - 7% of peak energy demand in 2020.
"This leads us to the conclusion that nuclear power is the most viable and compelling solution that will contribute significantly to GCC power needs in the future".
Nuclear energy provides answers to many of the issues faced with conventional energy sources in the areas of the environment, safety, economics, reliability and sustainability.
Many governments and public in the GCC are now supportive of the view that nuclear has a role to play in the generation of electricity, alongside other low carbon technologies. This is certainly the case in the UAE.
Far from being competitors, nuclear power and renewable energy are urgently needed as partners if we are to meet our future energy needs. Diversification of energy sources is key.
"From a UAE perspective, nuclear energy is the right choice because: It's a safe and proven technology, it's a clean technology, it makes economic sense, we can ensure security of supply, further, investment in nuclear energy will drive the growth of a major, high-tech industry".
The UAE's nuclear energy program along with any future GCC programs have the advantage of looking at the experience of almost 60 years of worldwide experience in the use of peaceful nuclear power.
Clearly, there are lessons to be learned, and these should be adapted and reviewed to ensure the program is based on the best practices of the international nuclear power industry.
"Safety and Non-proliferation as essential concerns need to be addressed, Partner with international nuclear organisations to incorporate global standards, such as WANO for example".
"Involve nuclear experts from around the world - experienced skilled forces are essential for the start up and initial phase of the program, particularly in countries with no significant nuclear sector such as the GCC.
Make a policy of Transparency mandatory, another key factor to address global concerns related to safety and non-proliferation".
"Adapt a reactor technology with advancement in safety, and operation reliability and efficiency. Working directly with the IAEA is obviously an essential part of any successful program. Work in partnership with governments and international firms is a key for success", he suggested.
This is where South Korea government and firms could play a significant role. South Korea is among world leaders in the nuclear energy industries. It has experienced in the past similar conditions that the GCC is experiencing today.
In particular, Power demand in (South Korea) has increased by more than 9% per year in early 1990s. This is similar to what the GCC experience now and the early future. South Korea started the journey with no nuclear expertise in the early 1960s with import of the first research reactor; later construction began of the first nuclear power plant at Kori-1. It started up in 1977 and achieved commercial operation in 1978.
After this there was a burst of activity, of new nuclear reactors construction and operation.
Today 21 reactors provide almost 40% of South Korea's electricity, over the years South Korea has developed a continued experience in the construction and operation of advanced nuclear power sector.
It is this experience, and following a comprehensive review of all the excellent bids from some of the world's top nuclear suppliers, UAE has determined that the Korean KEPCO team is best equipped to fulfil the government's partnership requirements to develop UAE nuclear energy ambitious program.
A contract was signed in December of 2009 to design, construct and jointly operate the first four nuclear power reactors in the UAE. A major milestones for both the UAE and South Korea, for the UAE it is the start of the new nuclear program and for South Korea is the first export of complete nuclear power plant.
The value of the contract equalled to approximately US$20 billion, why the UAE chose the Korean consortium let me briefly explain the main factors the UAE used to evaluate the offers. The evaluation focused on what characteristics among the competing consortia would translate into the best over-all fit in a partner for our program.
Evaluation Criteria was based on a full package evaluation of the offer presented by the consortium.
The technical evaluation process was designed to ensure final award is given to the optimum long-term partner Requirement of advancement in nuclear safety was a major factor : the Korean Advanced APR1400 design has demonstrated safety features ranked it among the top designs in safety advancement.
UAE Business model requires a Consortium to bid for the full scope of the work. Further the consortium should have approved programs in the field of technology, safety and security in conformity with the latest international standards. The Korean team has met these requirements, the UAE envoy said.
Another major factor was Procurement Process and Deliverability: a demonstration of ability to achieve the goals set by the UAE nuclear energy program to deliver power to the grid from the first reactor by 2017.
This is accompanied by the requirement for good construction track record, and ability to license the reactor.
Further contractual requirement included Commitment to the provisions of the contract which is designed to ensure alignment of interest from all contracting parties to archive the same goals.
In the area of operation capabilities, UAE Requirement included assessment of experience in operation of a fleet of nuclear power plants safely and efficiently.
Another factor was the Commercial Offer which included assessment of competitiveness in the total cost of electricity delivery.
Some of the unique requirements which the UAE has put extra focus on the area of Training capabilities and experience in human resources development. An area of high importance to new countries embarking on nuclear energy programs, he observed.
In the UAE view, such arrangement will further strengthen the business relationship and incentivise the partners to ensure that the necessary experience, technology and skills are available to achieve on-time and on-budget delivery and safe and reliable operation of the plants.
Additionally, which brings me to the next point, UAE and Korean counterparts have also agreed in principle to work together on business ventures in the utility and energy fields outside the boundaries of the UAE project.
This could include projects within the GCC countries energy sector. Obviously there are already some varying initiatives within the GCC countries to embark on nuclear energy programs however there are still more work to be done within the GCC on a national level and potentially for more joint cooperation in this area.
There are opportunities to share experience, of the UAE for example, with other GCC member states; this includes potential for cooperation in related policy framework, required infrastructure development, and potential cooperation in the development of relevant joint facilities.
Ambassador Hamad Al Kaabi said: "This is consistent with the GCC leaders declaration on their interest to cooperate in the use of peaceful nuclear energy. In fact, a joint GCC team is already conducting studies to evaluate areas of potential joint cooperation in the nuclear energy field, which should help further focus on areas of high importance and value to the GCC states". - Emirates News Agency, WAM
