Nuclear Power Plant
VIENNA: Saudi Arabia is moving forward with the construction of its first nuclear power plant, marking a significant step in its efforts to develop peaceful nuclear energy.
During the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced that the Kingdom has completed all the necessary preparations for nuclear regulatory work.
Prince Abdulaziz highlighted that Saudi Arabia’s systems and infrastructure are fully aligned with international regulatory standards. This, he emphasized, demonstrates the Kingdom’s commitment to harnessing nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
As the chairman of both the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy and the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, Prince Abdulaziz stressed the importance of nuclear energy in the Kingdom’s economic and social development.
The national nuclear energy project, which includes the construction of this first nuclear power plant, is part of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and ensure sustainable development in line with its international commitments.
The minister pointed out that nuclear energy will play a key role in the country’s long-term energy strategy, particularly as Saudi Arabia seeks to reduce its dependence on oil and gas.
By incorporating nuclear energy into its portfolio, the Kingdom aims to meet growing energy demands while minimizing its environmental impact.
Furthermore, Prince Abdulaziz revealed that Riyadh will host an International Conference on Nuclear Emergencies in late 2025. The conference, organized in collaboration with the IAEA, will focus on preparedness for nuclear and radiological emergencies.
The Kingdom is eager to work with other nations to ensure the success of this event, which is expected to enhance global readiness and response mechanisms for such emergencies.
In another critical development, Saudi Arabia has finalized key administrative arrangements related to its nuclear regulatory framework. This includes the completion of the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement, a vital component of the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.
Prince Abdulaziz announced that the Kingdom has requested the IAEA to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol and fully implement the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement by the end of December 2024.
This step reflects Saudi Arabia’s firm commitment to its international obligations and its dedication to maintaining transparency in its nuclear energy program.
In his address, Prince Abdulaziz expressed gratitude to the IAEA’s Director General and the Deputy Director for Safeguards for their ongoing support.
He also underscored Saudi Arabia’s efforts to enhance radiological monitoring and early warning capabilities, stating that the Kingdom’s national resources are available to contribute to the global system for nuclear incident response.
Through these initiatives, Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a responsible player in the global nuclear energy landscape, dedicated to peaceful energy development while fulfilling its international commitments.
The construction of its first nuclear power plant and its active participation in international nuclear safety efforts highlight the Kingdom’s strategic vision for sustainable energy and security.
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