Abu Dhabi, June 17 (IANS/WAM) Eighty-five percent of the population in the UAE believes nuclear energy is important to the country, according to a poll commissioned to gauge public opinion ahead of the construction of the country's first nuclear power plants.

 
 The study was commissioned by the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (ENEC). The plants will begin supplying electricity in 2017.
 
 "The findings demonstrate that UAE residents understand the important role nuclear energy will play in the UAE's future energy mix," said Mohamed Al Hammadi, chief executive officer of ENEC.
 
 More than 750 people were interviewed across the UAE as part of the study.