FACTBOX-Nuclear programmes in Middle East http://today.reuters.com/news/articlebusiness.aspx?type=ELECTU&storyid=2007-02-11T061526Z_01_L11639451_RTRIDST_0_MIDEAST-NUCLEAR-FACTBOX.XML&from=business
Sun Feb 11, 2007
Feb 11 (Reuters) - Many Middle Eastern countries, including some which are worried about Iran's nuclear programme, have declared an interest in developing atomic energy resources.
Arab states have long advocated turning the region into a nuclear weapons-free zone, a proposal aimed mainly at Israel, widely believed to hold the Middle East's only nuclear arsenal.
Here are some facts about nuclear plans in the region:
ISRAEL - Has two atomic reactors, at Dimona and Nahal Sorek. Both are officially for research, but Dimona is widely believed to have produced enough fissile material since the late 1960s for 80 to 200 nuclear warheads. Israel does not discuss its assumed atomic arsenal under "ambiguity" policy aimed at deterring regional foes while avoiding arms race. Israel has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) so facilities are not open to inspection by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), a U.N. watchdog. Israel says comprehensive Middle East peace must precede more transparent nuclear policy.
IRAN - Seeks network of nuclear power plants with the stated aim of maximising exports from oil and gas reserves, the world's second largest. Russia is working to complete Iran's first nuclear plant, begun before the 1979 Islamic revolution, at Bushehr in the southwest. In 2002, an Iranian exiled opposition group revealed the existence of Natanz facility in central Iran to enrich uranium, which can make fuel for power plants or, if greatly enriched, material for nuclear warheads. Iran insists the plant is part of a civilian programme but Western countries accuse it of seeking to build atomic bombs. The IAEA says it needs more information to verify Iran's intentions. Late last year, the United Nations slapped sanctions on the transfer of sensitive nuclear material and know-how to Iran and told it to suspend enrichment. Iran has refused, risking further penalties.
EGYPT - Suspended earlier nuclear energy programme after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. Now it is looking to revive it to meet energy needs and conserve gas and oil reserves, which officials peg at 15.5 billion barrels of oil equivalent, enough for 34 years at current production rates. Nuclear plans are in early stages, but London's International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) says the first 1,000-megawatt reactor could be built at Dabaa on the Mediterranean coast in 8-10 years if foreign investment is secured. In October, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice voiced support for Egypt's plans. China, Russia and Kazakhstan have offered cooperation. IISS says Egypt pursued military nuclear effort in the 1960s in response to Israel's, but made little headway. It ratified NPT in 1981. Egypt has two research reactors. In 2004 IAEA probed "failures" in reporting nuclear research, but concluded experiments were not weapons-related.
SAUDI ARABIA - Joined its Gulf Cooperation Council partners -- Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates -- in announcing joint project for peaceful nuclear energy, mainly for water desalination, in December 2006. Rice said the project should be discussed, asking why Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, would need nuclear power. Yemen later said it would like to join GCC's nuclear project.
TURKEY - Plans to start building three nuclear power plants next year with total 5,000-MW capacity to avert future energy shortfall. Previous efforts over 30 years were foiled by high costs and environmentalist opposition. Government plans to raise its stake in plants to 70 percent from 30 after the private sector insisted on stronger state guarantees. Companies bidding for the work include local conglomerates Koc Holding (KCHOL.IS: Quote, Profile , Research) and Sabanci Holding (SAHOL.IS: Quote, Profile , Research). They want treasury guarantees and a state pledge to buy nuclear-generated power. Firms from Canada, Japan, South Korea, France and China have expressed interest.
TUNISIA - Announced plans last year for its first atomic power plant by 2020 with 900-MW capacity, or 20 percent of the country's needs, to help offset declining oil fields. It has not disclosed any tenders or cost estimates. Signed cooperation agreement with France in December 2006 on nuclear power and desalination.
ALGERIA - Has big uranium deposits, but no immediate plans for nuclear power, though the government says nuclear could join renewables in future energy mix as oil and gas resources decline. It plans a draft law on the use of civilian nuclear power. Algeria signed a deal with Russia in Jan 2007 on possible nuclear cooperation. Iran has also offered to share nuclear expertise. Algeria's oil reserves of 11.8 billion barrels will last 23 years and its gas reserves of at least 149,332 billion cubic feet will last 50 years at current production rates.
LIBYA - Announced on Feb. 1 it would work with French nuclear giant Areva (CEPFi.PA: Quote, Profile , Research) to explore for and mine uranium, but did not say if it would be used at home or exported. Libya gave up nuclear weapons programme and turned over enrichment equipment to United States in 2004. Libya has proven oil reserves of 39 billion barrels, enough for 60 years at current production rates. Its largely unexploited gas reserves are estimated at 53 trillion cubic feet.
MOROCCO - With no oil of its own, it is mulling nuclear power, including for desalination, but has made no decision. Experts put cost of a nuclear power station at over $3 billion, or three times investment now planned by power utility ONE to expand generating capacity.
(Reporting by bureaux in Algiers, Rabat, Tunis, Dubai, Tehran, Ankara, Cairo and Jerusalem)
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