ID :
32124
Tue, 11/25/2008 - 14:09
Auther :

UAE civilian nuclear program to secure 15 out of the 40 MWs by 2020: Gargash

Abu Dhabi Nov 25, 2008 (WAM) - The energy needs of the UAE are increasing in parallel to its demographic and economic growth and by 2020, the UAE will need 40 megawatts of electricity to meet its domestic demand,'' said H.E. Dr. Anwar Mohammed Gargash, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, yesterday.

''Around 25 megawatts are expected to be provided by non-nuclear energy, especially hydrocarbons and renewable sources. The peaceful nuclear program that the UAE has embarked on seeks to satisfy the remaining 15 megawatts,'' Dr Gargash said in a keynote speech at the opening of the 14th annual energy conference on Nuclear Energy in the Gulf organised by the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR).

"From the beginning, the UAE has clearly highlighted the peaceful and transparent nature of its nuclear program," the UAE minister affirmed, adding that cooperation agreements signed with France will guarantee that the UAE receives the most advanced technologies for nuclear electricity generation, and will ensure the greatest standards of safety and security.

He said :''The United Kingdom is also a partner of great interest to the UAE in the pursuit of a civilian nuclear capability and bilateral relations between the UAE and the UK are set to be consolidated on this basis.

The UAE, he indicated, plans to launch a peaceful nuclear program for power generation that will be a model to other countries in the region that are also engaged in similar efforts.

''The maintenance of transparency in individual nuclear programs throughout the region will increase prospects for cooperation, safeguard regional security, and prevent any future weakening of relations," he added.

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