Bahrain plans to build a nuclear power plant to meet future energy needs, it was revealed.

However, such a plant would take at least a decade to complete, said Oil and Gas Affairs Minister and National Oil and Gas Authority (Noga) chairman Dr Abdulhussain Mirza.

'Such a plant will be based in Bahrain in the next 10 to 15 years if we start thinking about it now,' he said. 'The process has begun and will accelerate over the next few years.'

Dr Mirza was speaking after the opening session of the International Conference on Nuclear Technologies in the Service of the Arab Society, which is underway at the Crowne Plaza's Bahrain Conference Centre.

He described nuclear power as the obvious alternative to existing fossil fuels, which were 'bound to run out soon'.

'We are aware of international concerns that are associated with such developments and will take pains to assure all concerned that all safety and security measures are in place,' he added.

He said nuclear energy was safe and there were virtually no chances of an accident. 'The safeguards are many, the technology is highly advanced and it is the future,' he said.

A nuclear training centre serving the entire Gulf could also be set up in Bahrain, a top official said.

The project is being considered in response to massive interest in nuclear power across the region, said Gulf Council for Foreign Relations president Dr Mansoor Al Arayedh.

He said it would be one of several key topics to be discussed at the International Conference on Nuclear Technologies in the Service of Arab Society.

'The setting up of the centre, which will be a facility to train local manpower on the use of nuclear energy, is one of the topics of discussion at the conference,' said Dr Al Arayedh.

'At the rate the region is expressing an interest in nuclear energy, there will soon be a need to train the local people to handle such technology. That need is what this centre looks to satisfy.'

He said such a centre was still several years away, but added: 'At least a beginning has been made.'

Dr Al Arayedh also stressed every effort should be made to protect the environment and said alternatives to fossil fuels were essential.

He also argued that hydrocarbons were far too important to simply burn as fuel.

'When we have alternatives available, we should resort to using them,' he told delegates at the two-day conference.

'These are vital feedstock for added value processes in the chemical industries of the world, for which there is constantly increasing demand. 'They are of more economic benefit as feedstock than as energy carriers.'

'If we start using alternative fuels, sales of hydrocarbon feedstock can be expected to grow - thus ensuring new income for Arab nations.'

He also said nuclear energy would help the Gulf contribute to the preservation of the world by limiting their own greenhouse emissions through harnessing nuclear power and solar energy.

Dr Al Arayedh also suggested the use of nuclear medicine in diagnosing and treating various types of illnesses should be promoted.

'Let us consider at this meeting how the region might develop this and other new specialisations of benefit to mankind,' he added.

The conference has been organised by the Gulf Council for Foreign Relations and is being attended by experts from all over the world, including Iran.-TradeArabia News Service