The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation

The United Arabs Emirates is one of the leading oil producing countries in the world. Despite the fact that UAE depends on oil for all her energy needs, there are efforts to invest in alternative sources of energy.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More As such, huge investments have been made in nuclear energy, creating optimism about the country’s future as a leading producer of clean and cost effective power. However, there are potential pitfalls associated with nuclear energy programs. In 2005, the United Arab Emirates commissioned a study to explore the possibilities of developing nuclear energy. This led to the formation of The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation. The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, ENEC, brought together six UAE member states, the International Atomic Energy Agency and other countries such as the United States of America. ENEC’s main aim was to propose ways through which these countries peacefully shares nuclear energy. There were notable short term benefits accrued as a result. This includes improved relations between UAE and other countries especially the USA as well as an improved sense of national pride (World Nuclear Association, 2011). Additionally, in awarding contracts for generation of nuclear energy, priority was given to companies from the UAE. This boosted political cooperation as well as strengthened economic relationship between UAE’s member states (Murphy, 2011). The World Nuclear Association (2011) explains that for a long time, the UAE has over relied on fossil fuels. Development of nuclear energy came at a time when UAE’s electricity needs were at an all time high. By 2009, statistics indicate that UAE’s electricity needs increased by 9% annually. Experts argued that overreliance on fossil fuels and the increasing demand for electricity created an energy supply gap.Advertising Looking for research paper on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, nuclear energy was perceived to be the best alternative source of reliable and environmental friendly energy. Additionally, while the initial cost of building nuclear power plants was very high, nuclear energy significantly lowered the cost per kilowatt. As such, nuclear power proved to be cost effective as compared to fossil and hydroelectricity. It is imperative to note that cheap, reliable and clean energy lowers the cost of production. This leads to economic growth. While UAE accrues numerous benefits from nuclear energy, there are also notable disadvantages associated with it. Murphy (2011) explains that the Nuclear Energy Agreement signed between UAE, IAEA and the USA includes a non-binding safety clause. As such, questions have emerged on safety and other issues involved in handling radioa ctive material. Additionally, nuclear energy is cost effective as compared to other sources of energy. Therefore, the potential of the nuclear energy sector in the UAE threatens the future growth and development of the oil industry (Murphy, 2011). The assertions made above indicate that UAE relies on fossil and nuclear sources of energy. However, there are other sources of energy which supplement fossil and nuclear energy. These include hydropower, biomass and wind. While UAE produces much of her electricity from natural gas and diesel, numerous hydropower stations also supply the country with electricity. In addition to this, biomass, solar and wind have not been commercially exploited. Nevertheless, they produce about 1% of UAE’s energy needs, which can be attributed to overreliance on fossil fuel (MAE, 2008). The development of the nuclear energy in the UAE demonstrates the country’s ambition to invest in alternative sources of energy. However, in the process of exp loring other sources of energy, it is important not to overlook existing sources of energy such as fossil fuel.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Reference List MAE. (2008). A study on ‘Energy Sector’ in Dubai. Web. Murphy, C. (2011). The United Arab Emirates Civil Nuclear Agreement: Promise or problem? Web. World Nuclear Association. (2011). Nuclear power in the United Arab Emirates. Web. This research paper on The Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation was written and submitted by user Ashton Hensley to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.