FACTBOX-Nuclear programmes in Middle East

Many Middle Eastern countries, including some which are worried about Iran’s nuclear programme, have declared an interest in developing atomic energy resources.

Arab states have long advocated turning the region into a nuclear weapons-free zone, a proposal aimed mainly at Israel, widely believed to hold the Middle East’s only nuclear arsenal.

Here are some facts about nuclear plans in the region:

1 out of 7: SAUDI ARABIA – Joined its Gulf Cooperation Council partners — Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates — in announcing joint project for peaceful nuclear energy, mainly for water desalination, in December 2006. Rice said the project should be discussed, asking why Saudi Arabia, the world’s biggest oil exporter, would need nuclear power. Yemen later said it would like to join GCC’s nuclear project. TURKEY – Plans to start building three nuclear power plants next year with total 5,000-MW capacity to avert future energy shortfall. Previous efforts over 30 years were foiled by high costs and environmentalist opposition. Government plans to raise its stake in plants to 70 percent from 30 after the private sector insisted on stronger state guarantees. Companies bidding for the work include local conglomerates Koc Holding (KCHOL.IS: Quote, Profile , Research) and Sabanci Holding (SAHOL.IS: Quote, Profile , Research). They want treasury guarantees and a state pledge to buy nuclear-generated power. Firms from Canada, Japan, South Korea, France and China have expressed interest.