Saudi nuclear energy project going according to plan: Energy minister

The Saudi energy minister said Monday that its national nuclear energy project is proceeding according to plan, stressing that nuclear power has become an essential part of the country’s energy mix.

Speaking at the 70th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman Al Saud said the world is witnessing rapid growth in energy demand, driven by economic, technological, and industrial expansion.

“Diversifying energy sources and ensuring their reliability and sustainability have become necessary to support economic growth and energy security,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia has consolidated its position as a reliable source of energy and an active partner in global energy markets, while continuing to invest its various resources in the energy and minerals sectors,” he said.

“The Kingdom is moving ahead with building a comprehensive national energy mix, including nuclear energy, to benefit from available resources,” he added.

Prince Abdulaziz stressed that Saudi Arabia is not developing its nuclear program “in isolation from the international community,” but continues to strengthen its national and regulatory nuclear energy systems and work transparently with partners in the energy and minerals fields.

“The inclusion of nuclear energy in the national energy mix is being carried out under a solid regulatory framework in line with the Kingdom’s international obligations,” the minister added.

“The Saudi nuclear program is peaceful and clear, and not deep in mountains or bunkers,” he said, adding that it is based on transparency and commitment to international standards.

He said Saudi Arabia works transparently and will continue to do so in cooperation with partners and the IAEA.

Prince Abdulaziz said Saudi Arabia has vast mineral wealth and is committed to securing mineral supply chains, developing rare earth discoveries, and turning resources into sustainable economic value.

He said the kingdom is moving ahead with uranium exploration and working to extract associated uranium as part of fertilizer production.

“Saudi Arabia has discovered 110 million tons of raw materials containing uranium concentrations in the Medina region,” he added.

Prince Abdulaziz also said Saudi Arabia is the world’s second-largest exporter of phosphate fertilizers.