ALBAWABA - At the 68th Session of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) General Conference in Vienna, Saudi Arabia's Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, announced that the kingdom is currently developing its first nuclear power plant and has fulfilled all the requirements for nuclear regulatory work.
The nuclear program of Saudi Arabia is making progress as the kingdom works toward expanding its sources of energy while encouraging sustainable development, the minister noted as reported by Saudi media outlets.
In addition to highlighting the significance of the nuclear project within the larger Saudi Arabian energy transition plan, Prince Abdulaziz announced that by the end of 2025, Riyadh would host the International Conference on Nuclear Emergencies.
The minister also said that Saudi Arabia filed a request in July to switch from the small amounts protocol to the full safeguards agreement's implementation. The IAEA is authorized under this agreement to confirm that a nation is adhering to its international obligations and refraining from exploiting its nuclear activities for the development of weapons, as Arab News reports.
“Saudi Arabia continues to implement its national nuclear energy program with all its importance including the construction of the first nuclear power plant to contribute to the national energy mix, achieve sustainable national development, and fulfill international commitments,” Prince Abdulaziz stated.
“We are pleased to see the fruits of the initiative to establish the IAEA’s International Nuclear Security Training Center in Seibersdorf and its tangible impact on strengthening the national capabilities of member states and the global nuclear security system,” he added.
