The big debate: should the Gulf go nuclear?

"Oil-rich" is a common prefix when referring to the Gulf states – yet "energy-poor" is a less commonly used, but equally relevant phrase. While the coffers abound, many in the Gulf countries are considering nuclear power as an investment in the future. It is obviously an emotive subject. Building a nuclear plant generates huge quantities of greenhouse gases and produces radioactive waste that must be isolated from the surrounding environment for up to 10,000 years. However, when in use the plants yield minimal CO2 – making them arguably eco-friendly. But in many countries, regulations can delay the plant projects for up to 30 years, so the nuclear option is not a quick fix. Given that the world's uranium supply will only last to 60 years, the viability of nuclear power diminishes dramatically. WHAT YOU SAID Safety standards are key "Past accidents such as Chernobyl were caused by non-conformance with safety standards. There have been fewer casualties in nuclear power than in the fossil fuel industries." – R Felixstowe No threat if run properly "Pros include diversifying power sources away from today's gas-based plants, transfer of scientific skills to the region, and more water desalination. The cons? Safety has been called 'a threat', but this can be avoided if the plant is run properly." – Mohamed Ali Safe for now "Nuclear power appears to have produced fewer deaths because plants are less ubiquitous than fossil-fuel projects. With more widespread use there will be more Chernobyls and Sellafields." – Fatima No contradiction "Of course the Gulf should go nuclear. While the ultimate aim should be 'green' power, nuclear is a good stop gap. I see no contradiction between green and nuclear." – Anonymous Practical alternatives "Given we have oil reserves to last 100 years but uranium deposits for 60, is not nuclear just a means of deflecting public pressure? Should not we be sinking more money into wind turbines?" – K Connolly Nuke the PR talk "Information on nuclear technology is designed to mask its downsides. Witness the naming of plants in the UK. To quote comedian Lenny Henry: 'Windscale' is to be renamed Sellafield, because it sounds nicer. In future, radiation will be referred to as 'magic moonbeams'." – M Nesbitt