The Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, recently announced during the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) conference in Vienna that the Kingdom has successfully completed essential regulatory preparations for the plant. This includes submitting a request to the IAEA to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol in favor of a more comprehensive safeguards agreement. The regulatory developments are crucial for ensuring that Saudi Arabia's nuclear program complies with international standards of safety and non-proliferation.
The country's efforts in nuclear development have been in progress for several years, driven by the need to diversify energy sources and reduce reliance on hydrocarbons. Saudi Arabia, with vast natural resources and the financial capacity to invest in large infrastructure projects, views nuclear energy as a critical component in meeting its long-term energy security goals. According to government officials, nuclear power will play a key role in balancing the Kingdom's energy portfolio, which currently includes significant investments in renewable energy like solar and wind power.
Saudi Arabia has partnered with international bodies to ensure its nuclear plans are developed responsibly. Its commitment to nuclear safety and non-proliferation is reflected in its cooperation with the IAEA, which has been providing regulatory assessments and guidance to the Kingdom. The agency's Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) concluded a review in late 2023, praising the Kingdom's adherence to safety standards and its robust national nuclear framework. This collaboration highlights Saudi Arabia’s alignment with global best practices in nuclear energy management.
The Kingdom's nuclear ambitions are not solely for domestic energy production but are also part of its broader economic transformation under Vision 2030. As the world's largest oil exporter, Saudi Arabia seeks to build a more diversified and resilient economy. The nuclear energy sector is expected to create jobs, foster technological innovation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing a stable, low-carbon energy source. Experts suggest that this strategic move will also enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a regional leader in clean energy technologies.
In 2024, Saudi Arabia finalized several key legal and technical requirements necessary for constructing the plant. These include nuclear export controls, safeguarding nuclear materials, and establishing institutional frameworks to regulate the industry. The Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, which oversees all nuclear activities in the country, has been working closely with international stakeholders to ensure that the project meets the highest standards of transparency and safety.
Internationally, Saudi Arabia's nuclear program has been under scrutiny due to concerns over the potential for nuclear weapons development. However, the Kingdom has consistently reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful nuclear energy use, focusing on power generation and medical applications. In line with this, Saudi Arabia has signed multiple international agreements, including the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), and has been working within the global non-proliferation framework to ensure the peaceful nature of its nuclear initiatives.
The Kingdom is actively pursuing the construction of two nuclear reactors in the first phase of the project, with plans for more in the future as part of its long-term energy strategy. Bidders for the construction contract include companies from South Korea, Russia, France, and China, reflecting the global interest in participating in Saudi Arabia's nuclear program. While the decision on the contract has yet to be made, experts believe that the final selection will consider both technological expertise and geopolitical considerations, as Saudi Arabia seeks to build strategic partnerships in the nuclear sector.
As the project moves ahead, attention will focus on the technical aspects of building the plant, including location selection, infrastructure development, and workforce training. Reports suggest that the Kingdom is considering several sites for the plant, with some located near the Red Sea to ensure efficient water access for cooling purposes.