NUCLEAR ENERGY IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: ENERGY SECURITY THROUGH A PACIFIC NUCLEAR PROGRAM?

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the implementation of nuclear energy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a complementary source to oil and natural gas to ensure its energy security while questioning the peaceful nature of its nuclear program. Thus, although the UAE is a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons and the Additional Protocol of the International Atomic Energy Agency, is raised the hypothesis that nuclear technology can be used in warfare if Iran develop weapons of this type. This research is justified because it addresses the UAE’s interest in diversifying its energy matrix to preserve its revenues obtained from the sale of oil on the international market, while it does not fail to address its interests focused on Defense. That said, the research is organized into four sections: The first deals with the composition of the energy matrix and the consumption of hydrocarbons for electricity generation in order to meet local demand; the next deals with the concept of energy security from the point of view of oil exporting countries; the third deals with the implementation of nuclear energy in the UAE from the point of view of legality, considering the international non-proliferation commitments assumed by the country; finally, the fourth part of this research questions the peaceful character of the UAE nuclear program, proposing a scenario in which Iran would have nuclear weapons as a possible justification for Abu Dhabi to follow the same path.

Keywords

• united arab emirates
• nuclear program
• energy security
• iran
• oil