Saudi Arabia Pledges To Utilize Nuclear Energy For Peaceful Development

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia highlighted the critical importance of nuclear security and safety systems, emphasising that each state is responsible for maintaining these systems according to national and international obligations. The Kingdom 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, spoke at the 68th Session of the General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. He conveyed Saudi Arabia's appreciation for the IAEA's efforts under Director General Rafael Grossi in enhancing technical capabilities and launching initiatives to support member states.

Prince Abdulaziz stated, "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, and it continues to implement its national nuclear energy project with all its components, including the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the Kingdom to contribute to the national energy mix and to achieve sustainable national development in accordance with national requirements and within the framework of international commitments."

The Kingdom has completed essential administrative preparations related to its nuclear regulatory framework. This includes implementing the Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement. In July 2024, Saudi Arabia requested that the IAEA rescind the Small Quantities Protocol. The aim is to implement the full Comprehensive Safeguards Agreement by December 2024.

HRH Prince Abdulaziz also mentioned that Saudi Arabia remains committed to its international obligations regarding its national nuclear energy project. The country's legislation and institutional infrastructure meet all requirements for controlling nuclear materials and technology, as well as regulating exports. This commitment aligns with international non-proliferation regimes.

International Cooperation

The Kingdom will host an international conference on nuclear emergencies in Riyadh at the end of 2025. This event aims to enhance global responses to nuclear and radiological emergencies. HRH Prince Abdulaziz expressed hope for cooperation from other states to ensure the success of this conference.

Saudi Arabia has also contributed to strengthening radiological monitoring and early warning capabilities at an international level. The Kingdom offers its national capabilities to benefit global radiological monitoring systems. Additionally, it supports predicting environmental impacts from nuclear incidents.

IAEA Collaboration

"As part of developing the Kingdom’s efforts in cooperation with the Agency, the Kingdom deposited, on 7 August 2024, its instrument for acceptance of the IAEA's Agreement on Privileges and Immunities," HRH Prince Abdulaziz said. He added that Saudi Arabia is committed to several international instruments related to nuclear security, safety, and safeguards.

The Kingdom collaborates with IAEA on various initiatives including hosting a workshop on Joint Convention on Safety Management. This workshop aims to invite non-party states to enhance global efforts towards universal adherence to this convention.

Integrated Regulatory Review Service

Prince Abdulaziz highlighted that Saudi Arabia benefited from IAEA's Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) mission completed in October 2023. This mission assessed national regulatory efforts and integration within Saudi Arabia's framework. It commended Saudi Arabia's commitment to radiation safety standards.

The IRRS mission noted progress in regulatory frameworks for nuclear and radiological activities within Saudi Arabia. The mission praised continuous development practices aligned with high international standards.

Nuclear Security Training Center

HRH Prince Abdulaziz concluded by stressing Saudi Arabia's emphasis on maintaining robust nuclear security systems. He expressed satisfaction with results from establishing IAEA’s International Nuclear Security Training Center. The Kingdom was a primary contributor to this initiative which enhances member states' capacities globally.

With inputs from SPA