Kuwait now plans to build four nuclear reactors over the next 12 years, recent published reports said. Ahmed Bishara, secretary general of Kuwait's National Nuclear Committee, was quoted by Kuwait Times as saying that Kuwait will be able to develop nuclear energy as long as the price of oil remains relatively stable. The move however, raises questions about the country's capacity to execute the plan. Adnan Shaheen, general manager and managing director of Al-Daw Company for Environmental Projects, raised safety concerns. “Kuwait does not have the capacity to maintain the safety standards of such reactors,” he said. He argues that safety systems should be of the highest standards or else the project would result in environmental crisis, “It is not the matter of an ordinary electricity plant or water plant,” he said. Shaheen reminded about Kuwait's failed previous attempts and the importance of learning lessons from such experiences. The failure to tackle electricity-related issues especially power cuts implemented this summer is one such example. “We do not have the ability to secure the safety of such plants,” he said. He specified that the problem does not lie with the techniques implemented. These can be easily purchased. The issue is with obtaining skilled human resources, especially with the lack of the constant maintenance that is a necessity for such large-scale projects. The official, on the other hand, asserted on the significance of such projects not only in terms of nuclear energy production but also as an alternative to energy production. This could benefit the country without posing as a danger or a challenge to the environment, and endanger the lives of people. Natural sources like wind, water and solar energy cost less. Tarek Al-Wazzan, board director of Aref Energy Company, said that though the country has the financial capacity to produce nuclear energy, the “know-how” should be taken into consideration, “It is a sensitive topic,” he added. It should be procured from countries that are traditionally considered to be pioneers in the field like France, Germany and Japan. This might help manage such plants and maintain much-needed cooperation, especially during the early stages. The primary aim of setting up a nuclear power plant should be considered - whether it is meant to sell electricity to neighboring countries in the region. Calculations have to be done in order to evaluate the project's commercial viability and profitability. “Electricity is offered in Kuwait at subsidized rates. Who will cover the deficit at first?” Al-Wazzan said that from a commercial point of view, this project is challenging as the government's policy on subsidizing energy supply is unclear. “We do not need to build nuclear power plants because we do not need it at this juncture,” he noted. Al-Wazzan also raised a question on the project's sustainability amid reports of gas and hydrocarbon reserves depletion after a period of 30 years or so. He said the government's intention to shift toward such types of energy production is reasonable as hydrocarbon is not necessary. However many other energy production methods such as wind power plants, water, solar power plants can be resorted to, he added. He also said that electricity generation will have to be increased several fold as the country's population rises and energy needs soar. With an urgent need to improve the country's electric power infrastructure in sight, a field that is lagging behind, the nuclear energy project should be thoroughly evaluated and carefully planned.
