Is nuclear energy an option for Brunei?

I often ask myself this question, will there be life after oil? And if so what will that be?

Following last week’s Kuwait announcement by unveiling plans to construct four nuclear reactors for power generation by 2022, it came to me as no surprise as the Arab countries are scrambling in looking at the various options before the final drop of the precious oil will finally start to drain out. Saudi Arabia, UAE and Jordan had already begun the push for civilian nuclear energy and I wont be surprised many oil producing countries will begin to explore this possibility.

Any decision to move into nuclear energy will stem from the increase in electricity demand which is expected to grow in Brunei as population increases and as we begin our push for industrial development. Internationally, there is already a growing expectation that the oil prices will remain above $50, which makes our oil to be more valuable as an export rather than as an energy source. But the very moment we say the word “nuclear”, one thing that comes into our head is obviously is its “safety” and as well as obviously after post-911, the worries on “terrorism”. This will be, I am sure will be a tough consideration for the policy makers. But like what I used to say, it is a lot easier to predict the future of Brunei if we can shape it today. So my parting question is: do we want to be with the guys who are wrong or with the other guys who are right?