Saudi cabinet approves national nuclear policy

Saudi Arabia’s cabinet on Tuesday approved the national policy of the atomic energy program, the official news agency SPA reported.

Under the new policy, all nuclear activities will be limited to peaceful purposes, as defined by international treaties.

The optimal utilization of natural resources from nuclear materials will be ensured, with the application of the best practices for radioactive waste management.

Transparency should be ensured on organizational and operational aspects.

In addition, compliance with the standards of nuclear safety and security in nuclear and radioactive facilities should be achieved under an independent regulatory and monitoring framework.

The Kingdom is also targeting sustainability by developing local content in its atomic energy sector, according to the policy.

Meanwhile, the cabinet approved the formation of the nuclear monitoring authority, and referred draft laws on civil liability for nuclear damage and monitoring of nuclear and radioactive uses to the Shura Council.

“This program will provide the best opportunities to develop national human capacities and boost the national economy,” Khalid Al-Falih, energy minister and chairman of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, said on his Twitter account.

“It provides the optimal energy mix and creates promising investment opportunities for the private sector and foreign firms amid a favorable investment climate in the Kingdom,” he added.