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[kristopher]

MENA = Middle East North Africa

Nuclear Energy Insider: Post Fukushima, Intensified Interest in Nuclear Power in the MENA Region Continues
Thursday, May 17th 2012

In a bid to meet increasing energy demands, the last decade has seen energy-rich countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) turn to alternative energy sources such as nuclear power and renewable energy. However, in the last few years the interest in nuclear energy has intensified despite issues raised following the accident at the Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant in Japan.

There are a number of key challenges facing countries in the MENA region that are driving plans towards nuclear power generation, ultimately making this the most exciting region for nuclear contractors globally. In particular, countries in the region face:

Increasing energy demands due to population and economy growth
Energy independence
Reduction of reliance on fossil fuels
Increasing revenue on fossil fuel exports
Reduction of carbon emissions

As a direct result of these challenges there are significant plans in place to deliver considerable nuclear generation capacity in the region by 2030. The Middle East Nuclear New Build Report 2012 has summarised these announced plans below:

...

http://www.virtual-strategy.com/2012/05/17/nuclear-energy-insider-post-fukushima-intensified-interest-nuclear-power-mena-region-cont

I'm sure it is an "exciting" and profitable market for the corporations that make money selling nuclear technology, but to many the term "exciting" really doesn't capture the feeling that goes along with watching the beginning of a nuclear arms race in the world's most unsettled region.