ID :
97290
Tue, 12/29/2009 - 14:23
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https://oananews.org//node/97290
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UAE papers laud contract to build nuclear plants
Abu Dhabi, Dec 29, 2009 (WAM)- UAE papers have much-admired UAE's decision to award a multibillion-dollar contract for building civilian nuclear reactors to South Korea declaring it an important benchmark.
Costing a staggering $20 billion, it is one of the biggest ever energy contracts in the world. With the establishment of four nuclear reactors, the country will stand proudly on the map of the world's leading nuclear-powered nations, commented Dubai-based English language "Khaleej Times" in its editorial yesterday "UAE does the region Proud".
"It is surely a moment of pride for it is not only a testament to achieving a technologically advanced status, it speaks volumes for the leadership that has sought to obtain peaceful nuclear technology in strict adherence to international law", it added.
"The government's decision in choosing a South Korean consortium is believed to be dictated by safety and cost considerations. While other top contenders included heavyweights like US, France and Japan, it was Seoul that has walked away with the prized contract. The fact that South Korea has a long history of safe and advanced nuclear technology probably helped in the decision. It is an important factor to bear in the long-term given the constant maintenance and upgrading of nuclear reactors", the paper noted.
The project, expected to start in 2012, would entail the construction of four 1,400-MW power units. The production of electricity from these reactors is anticipated to meet the growing energy demand, especially clean energy of the country that is expected to grow to 40,000 MW by 2020. Despite UAE being the world's third- largest oil exporter, it has had the foresight to seek alternative means to meet its energy requirements. It is good news, for any shortfall in power is likely to be covered once all reactors are operational by 2020. Other positive consequences for the national economy would be the development of specialised human resources. A parallel growth in related areas of technological training and advanced scientific studies is expected to boost this capacity.
"UAE's ability to acquire nuclear energy with international cooperation sets a precedent in the region where other states too are exploring independent civilian nuclear programmes".
"The move can be channelised positively for the benefit of other states and can actually prove to be a successful model in helping them acquire similar technology for clean energy. With closer GCC economic integration and plans to establish an inter-regional energy grid, the UAE nuclear power can prove to be a valuable asset. It is a huge and proud moment for UAE, a responsible and helpful state, as it strides into the future", Khaleej Times concluded.
Another English language daily of UAE "Gulf News" in its yesterday’s editorial " UAE on the road to nuclear energy" has said that government's handling of programme has ensured nation gets best commercial terms.
The UAE nuclear power programme moved from policy and planning to large-scale implementation when the country signed a Dh75 billion contract with a consortium from South Korea to build and service four reactors.
"The new nuclear plants will help the country meet its increasing need for power as its economy and population grow in the coming years", it added.
Nuclear energy is among the most cost effective and environmentally sustainable sources of power available at present, especially when the safe maintenance and running of plants is a priority, as is the case in the UAE. An integral part of the contracts is the transfer of technology and the training of nationals to safely manage and service the plants and to allow for the development of a local industry that can support the operation of the plants, among other economic benefits.
"The transparent and thorough manner in which the government has prepared its nuclear programme has assured the world that it is only being developed for peaceful purposes and this has given it access to the most modern technology", the paper said in its editorial.
Costing a staggering $20 billion, it is one of the biggest ever energy contracts in the world. With the establishment of four nuclear reactors, the country will stand proudly on the map of the world's leading nuclear-powered nations, commented Dubai-based English language "Khaleej Times" in its editorial yesterday "UAE does the region Proud".
"It is surely a moment of pride for it is not only a testament to achieving a technologically advanced status, it speaks volumes for the leadership that has sought to obtain peaceful nuclear technology in strict adherence to international law", it added.
"The government's decision in choosing a South Korean consortium is believed to be dictated by safety and cost considerations. While other top contenders included heavyweights like US, France and Japan, it was Seoul that has walked away with the prized contract. The fact that South Korea has a long history of safe and advanced nuclear technology probably helped in the decision. It is an important factor to bear in the long-term given the constant maintenance and upgrading of nuclear reactors", the paper noted.
The project, expected to start in 2012, would entail the construction of four 1,400-MW power units. The production of electricity from these reactors is anticipated to meet the growing energy demand, especially clean energy of the country that is expected to grow to 40,000 MW by 2020. Despite UAE being the world's third- largest oil exporter, it has had the foresight to seek alternative means to meet its energy requirements. It is good news, for any shortfall in power is likely to be covered once all reactors are operational by 2020. Other positive consequences for the national economy would be the development of specialised human resources. A parallel growth in related areas of technological training and advanced scientific studies is expected to boost this capacity.
"UAE's ability to acquire nuclear energy with international cooperation sets a precedent in the region where other states too are exploring independent civilian nuclear programmes".
"The move can be channelised positively for the benefit of other states and can actually prove to be a successful model in helping them acquire similar technology for clean energy. With closer GCC economic integration and plans to establish an inter-regional energy grid, the UAE nuclear power can prove to be a valuable asset. It is a huge and proud moment for UAE, a responsible and helpful state, as it strides into the future", Khaleej Times concluded.
Another English language daily of UAE "Gulf News" in its yesterday’s editorial " UAE on the road to nuclear energy" has said that government's handling of programme has ensured nation gets best commercial terms.
The UAE nuclear power programme moved from policy and planning to large-scale implementation when the country signed a Dh75 billion contract with a consortium from South Korea to build and service four reactors.
"The new nuclear plants will help the country meet its increasing need for power as its economy and population grow in the coming years", it added.
Nuclear energy is among the most cost effective and environmentally sustainable sources of power available at present, especially when the safe maintenance and running of plants is a priority, as is the case in the UAE. An integral part of the contracts is the transfer of technology and the training of nationals to safely manage and service the plants and to allow for the development of a local industry that can support the operation of the plants, among other economic benefits.
"The transparent and thorough manner in which the government has prepared its nuclear programme has assured the world that it is only being developed for peaceful purposes and this has given it access to the most modern technology", the paper said in its editorial.
