The end of 2017 witnessed a series of important events, which came within the framework of the efforts of the countries of the Middle East to take serious steps to implement their nuclear programs.
In December 2017, Egypt and Russia signed an agreement to complete contracts for the implementation of the first Egyptian nuclear plant in the Dabaa area.
In March of this year 2018, the United Arab Emirates completed the first unit at its first nuclear plant in Barakah, while in April 2018 Turkey began the construction of its first nuclear plant in Akkuyu.
Rosatom said that these important steps and measures consolidate the Middle East as a new global center for nuclear energy, opening up new horizons for the region’s countries in various fields.
The Middle East, which for decades relied on oil and natural gas to generate electricity, look to diversify energy sources by adding nuclear energy within the formula of energy mix. Since the demand for electricity in the Middle East and North Africa will increase more than doubling by 2040 (according to data from the Forum of Gas Exporting Countries) and the dependence of these countries on fossil fuels as the main source of energy by more than 99%, the countries of the region seek to find a practical solution to replace oil and natural gas within the energy mix. The direct answer to this dilemma is “nuclear energy”.
For example, when the UAE’s Baraka plant will operate at full capacity, it will produce about 25% of the total electricity in the UAE. While the nuclear will provide up to 25% of Turkey’s electricity needs, and 10 % of Egypt’s electricity needs.
Dr. Karim Al-Adham, former head of the Nuclear Safety Authority and spokesman for the Nuclear and Radiation Control Authority in Egypt, declared that the Dabaa nuclear plant will stimulate the Egyptian economy by providing more electricity to implement development projects.
Dr. Al-Adham added in his remarks that of course this will improve industrial and agricultural projects and develop the transport sector. The impact of the station on the Egyptian economy will have a positive impact at every level.
In addition to securing the energy needs of the country, the Egyptian nuclear program represents an indication of the level of stability in the country, and will attract investment in the construction, equipment manufacturing, electronics and many other fields.
Morevover, the shift to nuclear energy is an important indicator of the desire of the Middle East and North Africa to reduce their dependence on fossil fuels and the transition to an environmentally friendly economy with low carbon emissions.
“The world is looking for energy sources with minimal carbon emissions by developing new technologies in this vital area,” explains Dr. Yassin Ibrahim, former Executive Chairman of the Egyptian Nuclear Power Plants Authority and actual technical adviser of the Dabaa project.
Taking into consideration all the factors, the decision of the Middle East and North Africa to move towards nuclear energy is a logical decision and a step that will contribute to the development and stability of the region.
