Saudi Arabia Stresses Nuclear Safety In Move Towards Peaceful Energy Use

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has underscored the critical importance of nuclear security and safety systems. The responsibility for maintaining these systems lies solely with each state, adhering to national requirements and international obligations. Saudi Arabia is advancing towards utilising nuclear energy and its radiation applications for peaceful purposes, recognising their significant role in social and economic development.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, Minister of Energy, Chairman of the Board of Directors of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission, highlighted the Kingdom's commitment to international nuclear standards. He stated that Saudi Arabia has completed essential administrative preparations related to its nuclear regulatory framework. This includes implementing the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement and rescinding the Small Quantities Protocol by December 2024.

Prince Abdulaziz also noted that Saudi Arabia continues to adhere to its legally binding international commitments regarding its national nuclear energy project. The Kingdom's national legislation and institutional infrastructure meet all requirements for controlling nuclear materials and technology, as well as regulating exports. This is consistent with its obligations under the international non-proliferation regime.

Saudi Arabia will host an international conference on nuclear emergencies in Riyadh at the end of 2025. This event aims to enhance global preparedness for nuclear emergencies. The Kingdom looks forward to cooperating with other states to ensure the success of this conference, which will contribute to improving the global response to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

In his statement at the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, HRH Prince Abdulaziz praised the IAEA's efforts. He commended Director General Rafael Grossi for enhancing technical capabilities and launching initiatives that support member states in building their programs and developing human capacity in nuclear technology.

Strengthening Radiological Monitoring Capabilities

The Kingdom is actively participating in strengthening radiological monitoring and early warning capabilities for nuclear incidents at the international level. Saudi Arabia offers its national capabilities to benefit the global system of radiological monitoring and early warning. Additionally, it provides support to predict environmental impacts from nuclear and radiological incidents.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz expressed appreciation for the IAEA's Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission, which assessed Saudi Arabia's national nuclear regulatory efforts in October 2023. The mission commended Saudi Arabia's commitment to radiation safety standards and noted progress in integrating national regulatory frameworks according to high international standards.

Collaboration with IAEA on Safety Conventions

The Kingdom is collaborating with the IAEA to host a workshop on the Joint Convention on the Safety of Spent Fuel Management and Radioactive Waste Management. This workshop aims to invite non-party states to enhance global efforts towards universal adherence to this Convention. HRH Prince Abdulaziz emphasised that Saudi Arabia is committed to several international instruments related to nuclear security, safety, and safeguards.

"Given the importance of nuclear energy in social and economic development, the Kingdom is moving towards benefiting from nuclear energy and its radiation applications for peaceful purposes," said HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. "It continues to implement its national nuclear energy project with all its components, including constructing its first nuclear power plant."

Support for IAEA Initiatives

The Kingdom deposited its instrument for acceptance of the IAEA's Agreement on Privileges and Immunities on August 7, 2024. This step reflects Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts in cooperation with the Agency. HRH Prince Abdulaziz thanked Director General Rafael Grossi and Deputy Director for Safeguards for their support in enabling Saudi Arabia's progress in this field.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz concluded by reiterating Saudi Arabia’s dedication to maintaining a robust nuclear security system within its borders. He expressed satisfaction with establishing the Agency's International Nuclear Security Training Center, which Saudi Arabia significantly contributed to funding. This initiative has had a tangible impact on enhancing member states' capacities and strengthening global nuclear security systems.

With inputs from SPA