The United Arab Emirates says it will establish a $100 million agency to look into developing nuclear energy to satisfy rising electricity demand in the Gulf oil exporter on Iran's doorstep. "Analysis of future domestic electricity demand ... has concluded that peaceful nuclear power generation represents an environmentally promising and commercially competitive option which could make a significant contribution to the UAE's economy and future energy security," a government statement carried by the official WAM news agency said.
"The UAE intends to establish a Nuclear Energy Implementation Organisation ... and is proceeding to evaluate the establishment of a peaceful nuclear programme."
Gulf Arab states -- among the world's largest oil and gas producers -- are considering nuclear power as they look to meet escalating domestic electricity demand without burning more fuel and eating into record export revenues.
Reuters
