Saudi Arabia confirms holding company to develop nuclear facilities
Saudi Arabia has confirmed the formation of a nuclear energy holding company that will aid in the development of nuclear facilities in the kingdom, the Saudi Gazette reports quoting Saudi Arabia's governor to the International Atomic Energy Agency, Prince Abdullah Bin Khalid (IAEA).
The announcement was reportedly made during a speech at the session of the IAEA Board of Governors.
The existence of Saudi Nuclear Energy Holding Company was confirmed in an undated statement posted on the website of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE), a legally independent research organisation led by the Minister of Energy, Industry, and Mineral Resources.
The development of the country's atomic energy industry is one of K.A.CARE's responsibilities.
According to the reported statement made to IAEA, the holding company will be used to participate in nuclear economic projects locally and internationally, as well as develop local talent in the field of atomic energy, in addition to kicking off nuclear facilities for production of energy.
The governor reportedly expressed "appreciation for the agency's [IAEA's] efforts to enhance nuclear and radiological safety, transport and waste safety, especially in light of the challenges arising from the Covid-19 pandemic" in his speech.
According to a Reuters report, IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi revealed on February 16 that the agency is working with Saudi Arabia to help it develop nuclear power.
Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman previously said at the Future Minerals Summit in Riyadh on January 12 that Saudi Arabia has vast uranium ore reserves that it intends to use to develop a nuclear power program.
Besides, the Saudi official was reported to have expressed "concern" about Iran's nuclear policy during his speech at the IAEA, citing the "absence of reports and information regarding the safety of the Bushehr reactor, especially since it is the only country with a functioning nuclear power plant that has not yet joined the Nuclear Safety Convention."
He is also said to have urged Iran to "fully cooperate with the IAEA" and avoid delays in accordance with the Vienna talks.
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