Saudi Arabia says its nuclear energy program is advancing within a peaceful and transparent framework aligned with international obligations as the country incorporates nuclear power into its national energy mix.
Speaking Monday at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s 70th General Conference in Vienna, Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said the country’s national nuclear energy project was continuing according to plan.
Prince Abdulaziz said growth in the economic, technological and industrial sectors was rapidly increasing energy demand. He said diversifying energy sources and ensuring a reliable and sustainable supply were necessary for economic growth and energy security.
The minister said Saudi Arabia continued to invest in resources in the energy and mining sectors, adding that a comprehensive national energy mix, including nuclear power, had been developed to make use of existing resources.
Prince Abdulaziz said Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program was not being carried out independently of the international community, adding that national nuclear energy systems and the regulatory framework had been strengthened. He said the country was working transparently with partners in the energy and mining sectors.
Prince Abdulaziz said the incorporation of nuclear power into the national energy mix was being carried out within a robust regulatory framework aligned with international obligations, adding that the program was peaceful and open. He said the program was advancing on the basis of transparency and adherence to international standards.
The minister said his country had extensive mineral resources, adding that Saudi Arabia was determined to secure mineral supply chains, develop rare earth elements and transform natural resources into sustainable economic value.
Prince Abdulaziz said Saudi Arabia was continuing uranium exploration and working to extract uranium produced during fertilizer manufacturing. He said 110 million tons of raw material containing uranium concentrations had been found in the Medina region.
The minister also said Saudi Arabia was the world’s second-largest exporter of phosphate fertilizers.
