Bechtel sees 'tremendous opportunity' in Saudi nuclear power program

The United States (US) firms should play a role in Saudi Arabia's civilian nuclear power ambitions, CNBC reported on Thursday, citing Stuart Jones, regional president for Europe and Middle East at Bechtel.

There is a "tremendous opportunity" for US firms to get involved in the Kingdom’s plans to include nuclear power into its energy mix.

"I think the question here is if the Saudis have taken the decision to include nuclear power in their energy mix, which they seem to have done, then this is certainly something where U.S. business should be involved," Jones said on Thursday.

The move is likely to be welcomed not only by Saudis, but also by the US government, he added.

Riyadh is already considering working with companies from the US as part of its plans to build as many as 16 nuclear reactors in the Kingdom over the next 20 to 25 years, costing more than $80 billion.

Earlier this year, Saudi Arabia's foreign minister called on the US to give it the same rights as other nuclear nations in its push to process its own nuclear fuel. The official also revealed that the Kingdom is in talks with other countries should America refuse.

"That negotiation is still going on (and) that also requires congressional approval," Jones said, adding he didn't know if such an approval will come.

Last month, US-based Bechtel Group said it was “very interested” in Saudi Arabia’s plans for a civil nuclear program and is discussing potential roles for the company, Argaam reported.