Technical and Political Assessment of Peaceful Nuclear Power Program Prospects in North Africa and the Middle East

Windsor, Lindsay K. ; Kessler, Carol E.

关键词: DESALINATION PLANTS;    ELECTRICITY;    NUCLEAR ENERGY;    NUCLEAR POWER;    PROLIFERATION;    SAFETY;    SECURITY Nuclear power;    Middle East;    North Africa;   

DOI  :  10.2172/971115
RP-ID  :  PNNL-16840
PID  :  OSTI ID: 971115
Others  :  TRN: US1001127

学科分类：能源（综合）

美国|英语

来源: SciTech Connect

【 摘 要 】

An exceptional number of Middle Eastern and North African nations have recently expressed interest in developing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. Many of these countries have explored nuclear research in limited ways in the past, but the current focused interest and application of resources towards developing nuclear-generated electricity and nuclear-powered desalination plants is unprecedented. Consequently, questions arise in response to this emerging trend: What instigated this interest? To what end(s) will a nuclear program be applied? Does the country have adequate technical, political, legislative, nonproliferation, and safety infrastructure required for the capability desired? If so, what are the next steps for a country in preparation for a future nuclear program? And if not, what collaboration efforts are possible with the United States or others? This report provides information on the capabilities and interests of 13 countries in the region in nuclear energy programs in light of safety, nonproliferation and security concerns. It also provides information useful for determining potential for offering technical collaboration, financial aid, and/or political support.