The Minister of Energy discusses ways of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency
His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Minister of Energy, met in Riyadh with the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency), Mr. Rafael Grossi. The meeting included extensive and fruitful discussions focused on strengthening technical and technological cooperation between the two sides, as well as reviewing the latest developments in the Kingdom's ambitious national projects in the peaceful nuclear energy sector, in accordance with the highest international safety and security standards.
Strategic partnership for developing nuclear infrastructure
The high-level meeting addressed ways to implement the highest international standards of nuclear safety and security in existing and future Saudi projects. The two sides also reviewed progress in the national nuclear energy program and discussed mechanisms for exchanging expertise, building capacity, and training young Saudi talent. These steps aim to empower Saudi personnel to manage and operate peaceful nuclear facilities efficiently and effectively, benefiting from the ongoing technical and advisory support provided by the Agency to its member states.
The importance of strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency
This meeting is of paramount importance both regionally and internationally, as strengthening cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to accelerating the energy transition in Saudi Arabia. The Kingdom is working to integrate peaceful nuclear energy into its national energy mix as a strategic option to reduce carbon emissions and address climate change. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability domestically but also reinforces the Kingdom's position as a global leader in the clean and renewable energy sector, and underscores its firm commitment to international treaties and conventions concerning the peaceful and safe use of nuclear technologies.
Saudi Vision 2030 and diversification of energy sources
The Kingdom’s National Nuclear Energy Program was established as a cornerstone in achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which aims to diversify the economy and energy sources. Through this program, the Kingdom aspires to build nuclear reactors for electricity generation and water desalination, in addition to utilizing radiation applications in the medical, agricultural, and industrial sectors. Close cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is essential to ensuring the implementation of these vital projects in accordance with global best practices, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous energy future for the Kingdom and the entire region.
