Egypt said on Monday it would build several nuclear power plants, moving into the front of a group of nations raising fears of Middle Eastern proliferation with new pushes to develop nuclear energy.

President Hosni Mubarak announced live on national television that Egypt was building the power stations to diversify Egypt’s energy resources and preserve the country’s oil and gas for future generations.

“Energy security is a major part of building the future for this country and an integral part of Egypt’s national security,” Mubarak said.

Jordan, Turkey and several Gulf Arab countries have expressed interest in developing nuclear power programmes. Despite declarations of peaceful intentions, there are worries that the countries could be taking the first step toward a dangerous proliferation of nuclear technology in response to Iran’s nuclear programme.

The US State Department said Washington would not object to Egypt’s programme as long as it respects the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty and the rules of the International Atomic Energy Agency.