Date of Graduation
Spring 2017
Degree
Master of Science in Defense and Strategic Studies
Department
Defense and Strategic Studies
Committee Chair
John Rose
Abstract
The U.S. Department of Energy projects that rapid growth in population and access to domestic resources will cause the Middle East's energy consumption to increase by 95% from 2012 to 2040. Currently, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates do not have enough installed power capacity to handle this increase in consumption. Due to this, these states are looking to solar and nuclear power to diversify their energy sectors. This thesis' focus is to examine the impending energy demand crisis that will affect Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan. I argue that solar and nuclear power must play a vital role in these states' energy sectors to stave off future power shortages, decrease reliance on domestic hydrocarbons and imported energy, and reduce CO2 emissions to lessen the effects of climate change. As nuclear energy capabilities for civilian use expand, so does the threat of nuclear terrorism or the possibility for countries to edge closer towards nuclear proliferation. The United States has a vested interest in stemming the proliferation of nuclear weapons and will need to be prepared to address this in the region in the future. Additionally, foreign powers are investing considerable resources and technology in the energy sectors in these states, which could erode U.S. influence in the region going forward.
Keywords
energy security, solar power, nuclear power, Middle East, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, nuclear terrorism, energy demand crisis
Subject Categories
Defense and Security Studies
Copyright
© Brett Roenigk
Recommended Citation
Roenigk, Brett Matthew, "Energy Transformation: Examining How Nuclear and Solar Power Could Enhance Stability in the Middle East Region and Implications for U.S. Policy" (2017). MSU Graduate Theses. 3161.
https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/3161
