Setting up Nuclear Programmes in the Arabic Peninsula · 2010. 6. 4. · Qatar Doha 1.307.229...

Setting up NuclearSetting up NuclearProgrammesProgrammes in the Arabic in the Arabic

PeninsulaPeninsula

By By

Dr. Ilham AlDr. Ilham Al--QaradawiQaradawiProfessor of Physics, Qatar UniversityDirector, Qatar Nuclear Research Centre

WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa – Canada

CONTENTSCONTENTS• Introduction: The Arabic Peninsula and the

GCC• The start of the GCC nuclear era• The regional development• Vision for Qatar• Renewable energy• The way forward• Summary

WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

The Arabic Peninsula and Gulf The Arabic Peninsula and Gulf Cooperative Countries (GCC)Cooperative Countries (GCC)


The Arabian GulfThe Arabian Gulf


Gulf Cooperation Council Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC][GCC]

• The Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC] was established in 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia between: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE.

• An economic and political policy-coordinating forum for the six member states in view of special relations between them, their similar political systems based on Islamic beliefs, joint destiny and common objectives, geographic proximity and their adoption of free trade economy.

• The GCC is a regional common market with a defence planning council as well because of the connected nature of their security .


GCC CountriesGCC Countries

Name Capital Inhabitants Area GDPBahrain Manama 1.046.814 716 15.354Kuwait Kuwait City 2.460.000 17.818 95.924Oman Muscat 2.534.000 309.500 35.990Qatar Doha 1.307.229 11.437 52.722Saudi Arabia Riyadh 26.417.599 2.240.000 572.200United Arab Emirates Abu Dhabi 4.588.697 83.600 163.296


GCC Countries EconomyGCC Countries Economy• Over the past few decades GCC countries

relied on oil as the main source of income and all economy revolved around it.

• Gas has been found recently in several of the GCC countries.

• Other industries and economic possibilities have been explored in recent years.


Oil reserves worldwide and GCC, Oil reserves worldwide and GCC, 20062006


GDP per capita in GCC GDP per capita in GCC countriescountries


Nominal GDP: 2001 versus Nominal GDP: 2001 versus 20062006


GCC countriesGCC countries’’ oil and gasoil and gasproduction and reserves per capita in production and reserves per capita in

20062006


Projected depletion rates of Projected depletion rates of GCC countriesGCC countries’’ oil and gas oil and gas

reservesreserves


Arabian Gulf Economic Arabian Gulf Economic DiversificationDiversification

• GCC member states are moving towards economic diversification at a different pace and in different directions, with Bahrain and UAE most advanced in the process.

• Driven by the fact that hydrocarbon reserves are projected to be depleted in some countries (Bahrain and Oman) relatively soon, while they will last in others for a considerable period of time.

• Economic diversification needs to be supported by structural reforms, in particular, privatisation and market liberalisation, areas in which most GCC countries have made significant progress over recent years.


Oil and nonOil and non--oil real GDP oil real GDP growthgrowth


Imports of goods and Imports of goods and servicesservices


Power System in GCC Countries Power System in GCC Countries ––20042004

GCC State Energy(GWH)

Kuwait 43.308Saudi Arabia 146.569*Saudi ArabiaEast Region

69.756

Bahrain 8.918Qatar 13.580United ArabEmirates

59.721

Oman 10.582 TOTAL 205,865


Electricity Network Electricity Network ConnectivityConnectivity

between the GCC Countriesbetween the GCC Countries• In 1986 the first study was conducted by a committee from the GCC countries in coordination with the Kuwait Research Institute and King Fahad University of Petroleum & Minerals.

• The committee conducted another update study in 1990 to determine its technical feasibility and economical and financial viability.

• The GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA) was established in July 2001 in Dammam

• Project has been divided into several work packages: substations, back-to-back HVDC converter station, submarine cable, overhead transmission line and a control centre; to enable a wide participation by international contractorsSource

2004 IEEE Power Engineering Society general meeting : ( Denver CO, 6-10 June 2004 )


Benefits of the GCC power Benefits of the GCC power grid grid

• Boost electricity network in GCC member states.

• It will help them exchange electricity to meet growing needs

• Utilize their surplus output• Save money on new power projects • Ensure uninterrupted electricity supply.


New Trend for the GCCNew Trend for the GCC• Gulf states are among the world's largest oil

and gas producers. • They are considering nuclear power as they

look to meet escalating domestic electricity demand without burning more fuel and eating into record export revenues.



Increasing Increasing no. no. of countries considering of countries considering introduction introduction of nuclear powerof nuclear power

Operating Considering

The Start of a Nuclear Era in the The Start of a Nuclear Era in the GCCGCC

• December 2006: Decision by the 27th Supreme Council of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to:– consider exploring the nuclear option for power

generation– commission the preparation of a joint study by GCC

members on the uses of nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

• The GCC requested the IAEA to assist in the preparation of a “Pre-feasibility Study of Nuclear Power for Electricity Generation and water Desalination in the GCC Region”.


Following StepsFollowing Steps• May 2007: Delegations representing the various

countries met in GCC Head Quarters in Riyadh, KSA with a delegation from IAEA to discuss the PFS proposal.

• October 2007: A report presenting the results of the preliminary electricity and desalination assessment was prepared by IAEA.

• It identifies scenarios for the economic feasibility of nuclear power in the future electricity generation and desalination mix in the GCC region based on the data and information obtained from the GCC.

• It also contains guidelines, recommendations and necessary steps on infrastructure requirements and other related issues in the event of a decision to introduce nuclear power for electricity generation and desalination for the GCC region.WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

Challenges for a Nuclear Challenges for a Nuclear GCCGCC

• This move towards nuclear power needs a large no. of nuclear engineers. But there are currently no universities in the region that teach nuclear engineering.

• Many agreements, treaties and need to be signed.

• Very demanding infrastructure is required.• Human resources are a main issue.


Challenges for a Nuclear Challenges for a Nuclear GCCGCC

From “policy decision to consider NP” to “start of operation of first NPP” will be at least 10-15 years, since there are many complex and inter-related issues to look at

• Need step-by-step decision-making• Requires long term commitment of the government and

nation• Technology and market will evolve with time• Jumping into advanced stage without establishing balanced

infrastructure : may eventually retard the whole process• Potential risk of missing elements:

– Commitment by the Government & prospective Operator– Definition of the role of government and private sector– Human resources development– Public acceptance– Licensing framework etc.


Current status for GCCCurrent status for GCC• The IAEA is working with the Gulf

Cooperation Council (GCC).• It is also working with the individual countries

of the GCC.• The UAE has announced its decision to set

up a nuclear power plant• Many GCC states are looking into the

options• UAE and Bahrain have signed agreements

for development of nuclear energy with France. WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

Electricity and Desalination Electricity and Desalination AssessmentAssessment

• All countries are aware that major infrastructure and regulatory issues are required

• It is expected that nuclear power will not enter the GCC market before 2025


Alternative energy efforts in Alternative energy efforts in GCCGCC

• Pilot projects were carried out in several GCC countries over the past 2 decades.

• UAE: in 2006 created Masdar, an initiative for renewable and sustainable energy technologies.

• members pledged $750 million at a summit in Riyadh in November 2007 to fund research on clean technologies. But the emphasis in this case will be on carbon capture and storage in order to fight global warming.

• Qatar: established QSTP. Poly silicon project. QP feasibility study.

• GCC now do not regard renewables as unwanted competition to their oil and gas production, but rather as an addition to the global energy markets


Global Energy Diversity Global Energy Diversity Trend!Trend!


Qatar's EconomyQatar's Economy• Qatari economy is one of the

world's fastest expanding economies.

• Revenues from the oil and natural gas sectors amount to 60 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP)

• In 2006 Qatar became largest exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the world.


Qatar's Electricity Qatar's Electricity ProductionProduction

• 13.54 billion kWh (2005)• Source: fossil fuel: 100%• Consumption: 12.52 billion kWh (2005)• Electricity exports: 0 kWh (2005)• Electricity imports: 0 kWh (2005)


Qatar Energy Consumption Qatar Energy Consumption GrowthGrowth


Qatar's Electricity Consumption Qatar's Electricity Consumption Trend Trend


cenimar.com

Current Status for QatarCurrent Status for Qatar• Qatar has been actively involved in the GCC

initiative. • November 2007: Qatar hosted the fourth

meeting of the GCC Working Group to follow up the IAEA's feasibility report on nuclear power plants.

• June 2008: A Committee was formed to study feasibility of alternative energy and nuclear energy.

• November 2008: hosting MENA Nuclear Energy Forum.


Further DevelopmentsFurther Developments• Agreement with French EDF concerning

matters of grid upgrading, relevant to NPP• Qatar is looking into signing a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) with the USA.• Arrangements signed with China and Qatar

cover activities which are part of the IAEA´s plan, known as "IAEA Nuclear Security Plan for 2006-2009", to assist Member States in building and implementing better nuclear security regimes.

• Qatar strategy is to seek diversity in supplier options and consultants, not to be tied to only one partner or technology.


Progress of Qatar Nuclear Power Progress of Qatar Nuclear Power ProgramProgram

• Establishment of an independent regulatory body; The SCENR has now become a ministry of environment.

• Approve a Long-term Strategy for Peaceful Utilization of Atomic Energy

• Update nuclear legal framework and a comprehensive law on nuclear applications.

• Human resources development: policies, programmes and activities on training and education is being approved by the Government.

• Nuclear R&D activities and institutions: some activities and researchers, but mainly in non-power applications.

• Developed national emergency plan to effectively respond to any emergencies arising from a nuclear plant.

• The country is equipped with 'Early Warning Network System'. WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

The need for Nuclear Power in The need for Nuclear Power in QatarQatar

• Diversification of Energy Resources• Secure stable power supply that is economically

priced • Meet rapid growth of population and Industry

(without smoking chimneys)• Meet high living standards • Reduce pollution and sources of acid rain and

CO2 emissions to preserve natural environment.• Conserve oil and gas for export projects and

future generations.• Development of the Qatar knowledge based

economy.• Promote private sector investment.• Enhance Qatar's international standing


The need for Nuclear The need for Nuclear Power Power

• Development of skilled manpower• Establishment of advanced research and

development programme• Upgrade of local technology and

infrastructure• Extensive transfer of advanced technologies• Achievement of self-reliance• Improvement of quality of standards• Know-how in management of large projectsWNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

Qatar PreQatar Pre--Feasibility Study for Feasibility Study for Nuclear PowerNuclear Power

• Qatar already started some studies on alternative energy, in which cost of electricity from different sources was compared assuming that the cost of gas is based on its value in export markets, also taking into consideration that in future there could be economic incentives for Qatar to reduce CO2emission.

• A NPP could potentially be an economic alternative to gas-fired generation.WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

PrePre--Feasibility Study for Feasibility Study for QatarQatar

• The latest available data foresees a during the next five years in Qatar. 17 percent annual growth in the demand for electricity and 11 percent growth in the demand for water

• The market served by Kahramaa is fast changing with very strong growth in the industrial and commercial sectors.

• The total demand for electricity, at 3,300 MW in 2006, could see a big leap in the next 10 years. Projected demand by 2015 would be > 9,180MW. The demand for water is expected to cross 300m gallons a day (MGD) in 2015.


Critical Factors for QatarCritical Factors for Qatar• Site availability and suitability; this may be a

challenge (examples: geology, environment, safety, and water intake)

• Grid stability: If one is thinking of a 1000-1600MWh nuclear facility, then this will have impact on the present Grid system - geared to conventional low capacity.

• How will the GCC common project evolve; if it proceeds fast then it might solve some of the Qatari limitations (water intake, grid stability)


Renewable Energy Renewable Energy An in-house study of an 'industrial scale' plant has

been performed with following conclusions:• The current RE technologies would not be

competitive with gas-fired generation, even under the most favourable assumptions about gas and CO2prices.

• As technology improves, there is a good chance that solar power could become a competitive alternative in a few year’s time, however, land use could be a key issue.

• Solar power might have significant potential for 'consumer scale' projects

• Most of the other technologies (Biomass, Wind, etc.) appear to have little potential.WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

Human Resources Human Resources DevelopmentDevelopment

• Qatar identified HR as the main area of importance.

• A Qatar Nuclear Research Centre (QNRC) is to be developed.

• Physicists, chemists, engineers, and many others are to be trained in this field.

• Cooperation with many known institutions and organisations are underway.


The Qatar Nuclear Research The Qatar Nuclear Research Centre Centre

• The need for education and training is clear and independent of the country;

• Qatar envisions itself as a leader in the area for nuclear related training and research.

• Nuclear applications in human health inSidra hospital poses another reason for HR


Current Nuclear applications in Current Nuclear applications in QatarQatar

• Current applications are mainly non power, such as:

1. Medical2. Industrial3. IAEA projects: agriculture, NDT, etc.4. Early warning stations5. Education and research


A Double Start for QatarA Double Start for Qatar

• The mission is to start with the capacity building by establishing the Qatar Nuclear Research Centre (QNRC) in September 2008

• In parallel start planning for a possible Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) and exploring opportunities.


Main Areas of Interest for Main Areas of Interest for QNRCQNRC

• Medical applications; PET, proton beam therapy

• Cyclotron• Research reactor• Nuclear power• Safety• Environmental• Regulatory and legislations• Teachers/trainers/professorsWNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

International cooperationInternational cooperation• International cooperation is a must in nuclear

development. No one can develop a nuclear program in isolation.

• There are so many applications of nuclear energy (human health, industry, food and agriculture, environment preservation) and so much R&D being done all over the world!

• Constant refreshing is needed. Sharing results and experiences (ex the WNU workshop) enhance the possibility of a successful national implementation and contributes to the assurance, to the public and to the government, that nuclear energy is being used in a safe and secure way.


International cooperationInternational cooperation1. Texas A&M University, USA & Texas A&M University,

Qatar branch at Education City 2. Nuclear Engineering Department of MIT, USA 3. European Centre for Nuclear Research, CERN 4. International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA 5. France6. Imperial College, UK7. Korean Atomic Energy Research Institution, KAERI,

S. Korea 8. Australian Nuclear Science and Technology

Organization, ANSTO9. WNU10.China


Infrastructure Summary for Nuclear Infrastructure Summary for Nuclear Power in QatarPower in Qatar

• Little infrastructure currently available• Regulatory and security are main issues• Qatar is in a comfortable situation with

sufficient gas for power and water production over a long period of time; from that perspective we don’t treat the alternative energy initiatives on a ‘fast track’ basis


The IAEA Milestones The IAEA Milestones DocumentDocument

• According to the guides of the IAEA Nuclear Energy Series No. NG-G-3.1 “Milestones in the Development of a National Infrastructure for Nuclear Power”, GCC is going through milestone 1 in development of a national infrastructure for nuclear power and at the same time preparing for the milestone 2.

• The IAEA document is useful for a country preparing for introduction of nuclear power. It gives guidelines on what a country has to develop for a national infrastructure for nuclear power. However, the difficulty for a developing country is how to develop it. WNU-SI 2008 Ottawa - Canada

Key concerns about the Key concerns about the infrastructure for nuclear powerinfrastructure for nuclear power

• Legal and regulatory framework: Clearance of procedure for licensing of a nuclear power project from the beginning to the decommissioning in which responsibilities of related organizations have to be determined clearly.

• Enhancement of capability of technical support organizations: How to review, evaluate a safety analysis report and make safety inspection of a nuclear power project in all stages including design, site selection, construction, operation, maintenance.

• Even in the case of using international consultancies, how can we develop minimum capability of technical support organizations in order for us to make decision on safety issues based on the international consultancy.


Key concerns about the Key concerns about the infrastructure for nuclear powerinfrastructure for nuclear power• Enhancement of national science and technology

capability: How to make decision on the NPP technology selection for the first NPP?

• How to absorb and master the transferred technology? and How to help the national industry to master the transferred technology.

• Enhancement of capability of the NPP owner: How to make the utility technical criteria for the NPP? How to make the international bid for the NPP project? How to build up national capabilities on the project management? Procurement? Construction? Operation? Maintenance?


SummarySummary• There are no capital projects going on at the moment in the

GCC, plans are still at a very early stage.• UAE is the only country that signed a contract for a NPP.• A long time is needed for preparation of all infrastructure

required for renewable energy or nuclear power. • Big efforts are required from national organizations • A wide international cooperation with the IAEA and advanced

nuclear power countries is required.• Meanwhile, development of nuclear related infrastructure and

human capability for other peaceful nuclear applications such as medical and industrial.

• Qatar is in a comfortable situation with sufficient gas for power and water production over a long period of time; from that perspective alternative energy initiative is not treat on a‘fast track’ basis


Thank you for Thank you for your attentionyour attention


Setting up Nuclear Programmes in the Arabic Peninsula · 2010. 6. 4. · Qatar Doha 1.307.229...

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