Saudi Arabia ready to start its atomic energy project: Al-Falih

Saudi Arabia has established the agencies and legislative framework needed to implement and run its national atomic energy project, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, citing Khalid Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources.

The Kingdom has issued the policies of the atomic energy program, the nuclear and radiation control system, and the civil liability for nuclear damage. It has also established the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority, he said.

Introducing atomic energy, used in electricity generation, into the power mix represents a key strategic step for the development and integration of a sustainable, environment-friendly and efficient energy sector, which will allow the Kingdom to invest all its natural resources and competitive advantages.

Saudi Arabia is also keen to create a new integrated and highly technological national industry, Al-Falih said in a keynote speech at the annual 62nd General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Vienna.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said in late July that Saudi Arabia is well placed to finalize its plans for the construction of its first nuclear power plant, Argaam previously reported.

The Kingdom has made significant progress in the development of nuclear power infrastructure, establishing a legislative framework and carrying out comprehensive studies to support the next steps of the program, said Jose Bastos, technical lead of the IAEA’s Nuclear Infrastructure Development Section.