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The Middle East and especially the Gulf states are becoming quite interested in nuclear power. The UAE actually has a nuclear power plant that will be entering
by Cyph0n 10y ago
The Middle East and especially the Gulf states are becoming quite interested in nuclear power. The UAE actually has a nuclear power plant that will be entering operation soon. I believe it was built by South Korea.
- Retric 10y agoThe seasonal plus day vs night demand curves in the Gulf states is a relatively poor fit for nuclear power. They can add a few, but it's not a great opportunity for long term business.
- Cyph0n 10y agoIsn't that the case everywhere though? That is, day vs night demand. In the UAE, air conditioning is on day and night for at least 6 months, so seasonal demand shouldn't be an issue imo. Power grid load is also quite straightforward to predict too as far as I heard.
- Retric 10y agoThe problem is you need to compare the absolute minimum demand at night if the off season vs the absolute peak during the day time to find your base load demand vs peak demand. AC usage at night drops off dramatically during the cool pars of the year and is very weather dependent so the peak vs minimum shift is more dramatic than usual.
- Spooky23 10y agoGulf States like the prestige and are practically drowning in cash. Since they are totalitarian regimes, it's pretty easy for the guy or guys running the show to direct money to whatever they want.
- Cyph0n 10y agoTrue, but setting this up has been a huge investment. In addition to building the plant itself, the government has sent hundreds of students to study abroad (fully funded, with salary and benefits!). Once they come back, they are required to go through almost a year of intensive training. My friend is going to be a reactor operator, so I'm familiar with the details. It sounds like a weird way to spend money for fun in my opinion. The only other explanation is that they actually need this. Keep in mind that power generation in the UAE is nearly 100% oil-based.
- treebeard901 10y ago> It sounds like a weird way to spend money for fun in my opinion. Considering the geopolitical aspects of nuclear power along with dual use knowledge and technology, it is probably not a weird way to spend money from their perspective.
- Cyph0n 10y agoI agree completely, but I was responding to OP's claim that the Gulf states are building nuclear power facilities because they can.
- dreamcompiler 10y agoThey're also investing very heavily in renewables. They want to remain energy-independent when the oil runs out or becomes too cheap to sell.