The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — have changed significantly in the 15 years since a regional nuclear energy program was first considered. Their developmental needs, as well as their infrastructure and governance capabilities, have grown considerably. Additionally, their environmental pledges to achieve net-zero carbon emissions require reliable clean energy systems to maintain their nations’ socioeconomic well-being. This brief calls on the GCC states to reassess the viability of establishing a joint regional nuclear power plant to align with their sustainable development goals as well as to advance the region’s long-term prosperity.
Conducting Joint Studies on Nuclear Energy Programs
In 2006, at the 27th session of the GCC Supreme Council, the GCC countries decided to conduct a joint study on utilizing nuclear technology for peaceful applications including electricity generation and water desalination. GCC member states agreedthat the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) should carry out a preliminary …