Saudi Arabia is progressing with its plans to develop nuclear energy and radiation technologies for peaceful purposes, including the construction of its first nuclear power plant, according to Saudi Energy Minister Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. Speaking at the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, the minister, who also chairs the Board of Directors of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) and the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, emphasized the project’s importance in diversifying the national energy mix and supporting sustainable development. This initiative aligns with both national priorities and international commitments.
The Kingdom has already completed key administrative steps, including establishing a nuclear regulatory framework and fulfilling requirements for the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. In July 2024, Saudi Arabia requested the IAEA to rescind the Small Quantities Protocol (SQP), aiming to finalize all subsidiary agreements by December 2024.
Abdulaziz also highlighted Saudi Arabia’s efforts to strengthen its cooperation with the IAEA, noting the deposit of its acceptance instrument for the IAEA’s Agreement on Privileges and Immunities in August 2024. He affirmed the Kingdom’s commitment to various international nuclear security, safety, and safeguards agreements.
The minister credited the IAEA’s Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission for its role in evaluating Saudi Arabia’s nuclear regulatory framework. The mission, completed in October 2023, commended Saudi Arabia’s commitment to radiation safety standards and noted significant progress in its regulatory and radiological efforts, ensuring compliance with the highest international standards.