Why does the KSA need a nuclear energy plant?

Question

Saudi Arabia Plans Nuclear Power Plant

http://www.globalsecuritynewswire.org/gsn/nw_20090824_8120.php

Saudi Arabia formalized its intention to develop civilian nuclear energy capabilities Friday by announcing that it would build a nuclear power plant, the Australian reported.

The plan, disclosed by Saudi Water and Electricity Minister Abdullah al-Hosain in an interview with the newspaper al-Watan, came amid concerns that a growing number of Middle Eastern states might develop atomic energy programs as a step toward establishing nuclear weapons capabilities

Answer 1

Because we spend around 30% of our oil production to generate power.



Now imagine if you can increase your income by 30%, wouldn't you do it?

I know that a nuclear plant will cost us high capital but it will pay for it on the long term.

Answer 2

there are many answers to that question, but first i would like to note that this has been on the tables for a few years, at least 2 or 3.

The French are the best in using nuclear energy for power plants and electricity as I believe more than 70% of the electricity in France comes from Nuclear power stations.

Now let's see the reasons why KSA is going for it:

1/. cost. It will come cheaper than oil operated power plants and on the long run safer and more environment friendly. Allthough nuclear fuel pollutes the soil for thousands of years after it dumped, the cost on the atmosphere will be lesser than the current power plants that spill smoke all over Jeddah and the eastern province.

2/. technology transfer. this plant will be done by France but at the end of the day, they will also train Saudis. Therefore we may see a new range of Saudi nuclear experts.

3/. cooperation, nuclear power plants are expensive and this will strengthen the relationship between France and KSA, and also guarantee a new ally in the region, we can't depend on the US for all matters.



thats all i got on the subject for the moment.

Answer 3

I was under the impression that KSA already operated Nuclear Power plants.



Nuclear power plants are an important source of electrical energy. At the moment there are more than 400 nuclear power plants (NPP) all over the world, which produce about 17% of the world's electricity.



Biggest as mentioned exist in France, and Lithuania. Somebody mentioned 3rd world labor, I am not indian or pakistani but as figures show 17 nuclear power plants exist in India alone and 3 in pakistan.



If you think about it, with all the oil Iran has, why did they go for nuclear power plants. Sure media and US will say for weapons, but there is great need for energy.



In my opinion, Saudi will need to develop and move away from oil, cause i think oil reserves will run out in line 40 years. They are already late on to the game for survival. Energy and food will the driving force of any country in future. I known saudi has already established them self of securing food resources in other countries.



Nuclear, power plants existed since 1954, they are safe, clean and are renewable energy. Its serious business, don't expect and the compare the work laborers need to build building and operate with workforce who need to operate nuclear power plants.



Most will be high skilled engineers, who will be brought down from europe, russia, or and may be 3rd world countries.



So good news to all the women who love russian men ;) here.



But I am still wondering, Saudi has so much potential for solar power. I mean solar power has become cheap and vast improvement of solar cells and battery technology. Imaging this scenario, take a 3 store building in Riyadh, imaging solar panels are designed and fixed for maximum solar absorption, The building would produce its own free energy. And to make it even better, it might even possible to give back power to the main power grid.



But if, saudi is looking at energy + security nuclear energy is the way to go. May be in future, they will also consider Fusion energy.

Answer 4

rationalization: Nuclear means isn't the "comparable as" nuclear means plant. Nuclear means is a manufactured from a nuclear means plant. you're on the suited suited track nevertheless. Now seek for data on how nuclear means is produced and its effect on the ambience.

Answer 5

......it is a sensitive issue.....nuclear power plant can provide energy to run all the kingdom's residential and industrial facilities and can be used also for security reason to provide nuclear bombs.......but there is issue about destroying environment and atmosphere......they are going to pollute the sea, the source of water for all the people and the air in which people breathes......just a slight leak from the plant would provide high contamination to areas I mentioned......so this should be thoroughly studied first and thoroughly consider the effects first before implementing this one.....

Answer 6

I have no problem with us building and using the nuclear energy for future energy sources.. Where my concerns lie, is not in nuclear technology.. I am worried that like anything else, it will be manned by 3rd world under skilled under paid laborers and the spent waste wont be treated properly and will be dumped either in sea or land and this will effect our health somewhat here.. We already had to live downwind and down sea from the soot and bomb residues of the two gulf wars.. Its sad to see when my children go to the beach and play in the sand, only about 2 or 3 inches if they dig into the sand, theres a black tarry muck in the sand.. All this is left over from gulf war.. I worry about me and my childrens future..

Answer 7

Looking forward to five hundred years worth of nuclear waste minimum as described by Carl, that is the real danger and not "terrorism" since France and Japan are competing for this account.

And since we are capitalists we will opt for the cheaper version (France) plus unskilled Labor as described by Mintee..

Answer 8

b/c water desalination costs tons of oil barrels for a single water drop, plus the nuclear energy is way environmentally friendly.

Answer 9

did you know that Saudi buy car gas from other countries? yeah we are improving and we want more energy for ourselves.

Answer 10

Thats good news

Answer 11

to be advanced like other nations.