05-11-06

At least six Arab countries are developing domestic nuclear power programs to diversify energy sources.
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco and Algeria have shown interest in developing nuclear power primarily for water desalination, Tomihiro Taniguchi, deputy director-general of the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), was quoted as saying.

"We held preliminary discussions with these governments. We will offer them help under our technical advisory program to conduct a study for the power plants," he was quoted as saying, adding that the interest the four nations had shown was "at a tertiary stage".
The United Arab Emirates and Tunisia have also shown interest in nuclear power, but their plans are at an infant stage. A diplomat close to the IAEA said the plans of Arab countries reflected "renewed interest in nuclear power".

Egypt's nuclear program is the Arab world's most advanced. Russia is looking to take part in a tender to construct nuclear power stations in the country, a Russian official said.
Egypt has ordered studies into building atomic power stations after President Hosni Mubarak in September called for a national dialogue on the issue. Algeria's plans are the next most advanced after Egypt.