Posted on Aug 1, 2020
UAE starts up Arab world's first nuclear plant
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The United Arab Emirates has launched operations at the Arab world's first nuclear power plant, on the Gulf coast just east of Qatar.
Nuclear fission has begun in one of four reactors at the Barakah plant, which uses South Korean technology.
The plant was expected to open in 2017 but the start-up was repeatedly delayed because of various safety issues.
The oil-rich UAE wants Barakah to meet a quarter of its energy needs, as it adopts more sustainable energy sources.
Just two weeks ago the UAE sent a probe on a mission to Mars - another high-profile scientific first for the Gulf nation.
The UAE is also investing heavily in solar power - a plentiful energy source in the Gulf. Some energy experts question the logic of Barakah - which means "blessing" in Arabic. They argue that solar power is cleaner, cheaper and makes more sense in a region plagued by political tensions and terrorism.
Last year Qatar called the Barakah plant a "flagrant threat to regional peace and environment". Qatar is a bitter regional rival of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Nuclear fission has begun in one of four reactors at the Barakah plant, which uses South Korean technology.
The plant was expected to open in 2017 but the start-up was repeatedly delayed because of various safety issues.
The oil-rich UAE wants Barakah to meet a quarter of its energy needs, as it adopts more sustainable energy sources.
Just two weeks ago the UAE sent a probe on a mission to Mars - another high-profile scientific first for the Gulf nation.
The UAE is also investing heavily in solar power - a plentiful energy source in the Gulf. Some energy experts question the logic of Barakah - which means "blessing" in Arabic. They argue that solar power is cleaner, cheaper and makes more sense in a region plagued by political tensions and terrorism.
Last year Qatar called the Barakah plant a "flagrant threat to regional peace and environment". Qatar is a bitter regional rival of the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
UAE starts up Arab world's first nuclear plant
Posted from bbc.comPosted in these groups: 
United Arab Emirates
Nuclear
United Arab Emirates Nuclear
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
Maj Kim Patterson Debatable, If it's not a "Breeder" Reactor it is less of a Problem. Less Likely to be used to Make Nuclear Weapons but any time You're dealing with Nuclear Material there is a Bit of Hazard. Disposing of the Material, When You're done? Most is Shipped to the US for Storage.
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