Saudi Arabia’s path to nuclear power

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King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy in Riyadh.
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Barakah, the UAE’s first nuclear power plant.
Updated 05 August 2018
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Saudi Arabia’s path to nuclear power

  • Saudi Arabia has to find ways to diversify and increase its power production capacity for economic growth and development
  • Saudi Arabia is selecting finalists from five countries — the US, China, Russia, France and South Korea

DUBAI: Faced with surging energy demand for economic growth, Saudi Arabia is turning to nuclear power to meet a twin challenge — how to diversify its electricity-generating mix while reducing reliance on fossil fuels. And with electricity demand in the country growing by 8 to 10 percent annually, compared with less than 1 percent in Europe, experts say the move is timely. Last week, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts concluded a 12-day mission to the Kingdom to review its development of infrastructure for a nuclear power program. The review, which ended on July 24, was carried out at the invitation of the Saudi government. “Nuclear is an important way to meet the fast-growing demand for energy in the region, taking into consideration a wish to diversify the energy sources and not rely solely on oil and gas,” said John Bernhard, former Danish ambassador to the IAEA.
“Besides, the use of nuclear power is a significant element in an energy strategy which considers the need to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and implement commitments concerning climate change. Renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar, are beneficial from a climate change point of view, but will often not be sufficient to cover large energy demands.”
The Kingdom plans to build two large nuclear power reactors as part of a program delivering as many as 16 nuclear power plants over the next 20 to 25 years at a cost of more than $80 billion. It has projected 17 gigawatts (GW) of nuclear capacity by 2032 to provide 15 percent of the power then, along with more than 40 GW of solar capacity.
So far, Saudi Arabia has identified two possible sites for power stations, on the Gulf coast at Umm Huwayd and Khor Duweihin.
Plans for small reactors for desalination are also well advanced. “IAEA missions are of crucial importance when preparing for the introduction of nuclear power programs, especially in so-called newcomer states — those with little or no experience regarding nuclear power,” Bernhard said.
“IAEA experts can provide useful advice technically and with regard to nuclear safety and security.
This is of great value both for the nuclear newcomer and the international community.”cSaudi Arabia is selecting finalists from five countries — the US, China, Russia, France and South Korea —that it invited earlier this year to bid on a project to build the two plants. The selection of a winning bid and the signing of contracts are expected by the end of 2018.
“Saudis have recognized that it is important for them to develop a nuclear power program,” said Lady Barbara Judge, former head of the UK Atomic Energy Authority. “The days of oil and gas are waning, and it is not appropriate for any country to rely on one source of energy — more and more of the world’s population is worrying about climate change.”
Nuclear is a carbon-free techno-logy that provides continuous generation. “Even if a country is investing heavily in renewables, they have the problem of only being available when the sun shines and the wind blows,” said Judge, who is a member of the International Advisory Board for the development of nuclear energy in the UAE.
“Accordingly, back-up generation is needed to assure a continuous supply of energy. To me, it seems the Saudis, like Abu Dhabi, are perfectly situated to build a new nuclear power plant — they have the backing of the government and the funds to build a first-class plant, and they understand that it is inappropriate today to rely solely on oil.
“They also have the resources to bring in international experts and to conduct an effective public outreach program to educate the population about the benefits of nuclear energy.”
Judge said that IAEA missions provide an assurance that the construction, operation and safety culture will be of the highest standard. “The IAEA is an independent appraiser and adviser, and it helps countries to appropriately plan and design their new project.”
The move falls in line with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, which is based on diversifying its economy away from oil and gas. And with desalination and residential cooling set as the two largest uses of power, and desalinated water demand expected to double in the next decade, experts say that it is more profitable for the country to sell oil and gas while using alternative resources, such as nuclear, for water desalination.
Environmentally, nuclear is also expected to significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
“Saudi Arabia has to find ways to diversify and increase its power production capacity for economic growth and development,” said Dr. Peter Bode, former associate professor in nuclear science and technology at the Delft University in the Netherlands.
“Nuclear power is one of the options in the power mix that could also contain wind energy and solar, but these systems cannot take over the major role in the power mix. Moreover, these are also somehow much more vulnerable to damage, like sabotage, and even the effects of climate change.”
He said nuclear power is a proven technology with high reliability and safety — a nuclear power plant typically operates for about 60 to 70 years, and provides jobs for about 1,000 people over that period. “Wind and solar energy are options for local and domestic energy production, but not to provide the needs of industry.”
In 2010, a Saudi royal decree said that the development of atomic energy is essential to meet the Kingdom’s growing requirements for energy. The country formed the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-CARE).
In July last year, the Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Project for Atomic Energy, and new financial and administrative regulations for KA-CARE, which was set up in Riyadh.
Several years ago, a study by the IAEA explored the economics of nuclear power in the Middle East.
“As long as the future international oil market price was above $60 to $65 per barrel, nuclear power made sense,” said Holger Rogner, an Atomic Reporters director, energy economist and former head of the IAEA’s energy planning section.
“The domestic price of oil used for electricity generation and desalination is highly subsidized, so if they replace electricity generation with nuclear power, and sell this oil at market prices abroad, the difference in revenue would basically pay for the nuclear power plant. There are clear thresholds when things make sense,” he said.


Saudi Arabia sees 30% drop in work injuries

Updated 05 May 2024
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Saudi Arabia sees 30% drop in work injuries

  • Saudi minister launches platform for reporting and investigating workplace incidents

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s commitment to occupational safety and health has seen the rate of work-related injuries in the Kingdom drop from 416 to 288 injuries per 100,000 workers, over the past few years, marking a notable 30.7 percent decrease.

At the same time, the compliance rate among establishments with occupational safety and health standards has risen to 71.27 percent.

This progress was highlighted by Saudi Minister of Human Resources and Social Development Ahmed Al-Rajhi as he inaugurated the sixth Saudi Global Conference for Occupational Safety and Health in Riyadh on Sunday, signaling a promising future for worker safety in the country.

The forum, which runs until May 7 under the theme “Scanning the Horizon,” covers five main topics: sustainability, corporate safety, technological transformation, cultural awareness, and occupational health.

Al-Rajhi, who is also the chairman of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, highlighted the remarkable progress Saudi Arabia has made in the OSH sector in recent years.

He attributed this success to the collaborative programs and initiatives launched in conjunction with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at creating a vibrant society and building a diverse and sustainable economy.

Al-Rajhi noted that through the national policy on occupational safety and health, the Kingdom aims to strengthen and develop the OSH sector, promote and protect workers across various workplaces at the national level, in line with local regulations and international treaties and agreements, and implement the best global practices suitable for the labor market.

The minister launched the official website of the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health, and mentioned the e-training platform for OSH, as well as the platform for reporting and investigating work-related accidents, injuries, and occupational diseases.

Al-Rajhi praised the council for its dedicated efforts and the collaborative contributions of various sectors within the council and the broader OSH system.

The achievements in the OSH sector were bolstered by the enactment of several pieces of legislation aimed at raising awareness of occupational safety and health issues, notably through the strategic implementation of the national occupational safety and health program, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Key legislative measures include the issuance of administrative regulations related to OSH and the development of a comprehensive national policy in collaboration with the International Labor Organization and all stakeholders. This policy, endorsed by the Council of Ministers, ensures its integrity and reliability, with careful monitoring and follow-up on implementation, according to the SPA.

Al-Rajhi inaugurated the exhibition accompanying the conference and toured various partner pavilions, sponsors, and participating entities. Among these were the pavilions of the General Organization for Social Insurance and Saudi Aramco.


Riyadh expo to showcase poultry innovations

The third Middle East Poultry Expo will be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 13-15.
Updated 05 May 2024
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Riyadh expo to showcase poultry innovations

  • Exhibition is the largest in the poultry industry and will feature over 300 companies from 40 countries
  • More than 800 products from the poultry industry’s supply chain will be exhibited

RIYADH: “Value Engineering” is the theme of the third Middle East Poultry Expo, to be held at Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center from May 13-15.

Sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the exhibition is the largest in the poultry industry and will feature over 300 companies from 40 countries, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The event will bring together international companies and experts in the poultry industry and showcase the latest technologies and innovations in poultry breeding, production, animal health and the feed industry.

It aims to promote the use of modern technologies, foster the exchange of experiences and best practices, develop the poultry industry, enhance investment opportunities, and contribute to gross domestic product growth to achieve national food security objectives, according to SPA.

More than 800 products from the poultry industry’s supply chain will be exhibited with the goal of promoting trade, encouraging scientific exchange and building business networks in the largest poultry markets in the Middle East and North Africa.

Those taking part include government bodies and institutions, associations, companies and nonprofit organizations in the livestock sector.

The three-day exhibition will also feature the Poultry Knowledge Planet Seminar, featuring experts from major international companies, and a number of scientific lectures.


Saudi project clears 719 Houthi mines in Yemen

Updated 05 May 2024
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Saudi project clears 719 Houthi mines in Yemen

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Project Masam cleared 719 mines in Yemen — which had been planted by the Houthi militia — between April 27 to May 3, according to a recent report.

Overseen by the Kingdom’s aid agency KSrelief, the project’s special teams destroyed 631 pieces of unexploded ordnance, 83 anti-tank mines, three improvised explosive devices, and two anti-personnel mines.

The explosives, which were planted indiscriminately by the Houthis across Yemen, posed a threat to civilians, including children, women and the elderly.

Project Masam is one of several initiatives undertaken by Saudi Arabia at the request of King Salman, which has cleared routes for humanitarian aid to reach the country’s citizens.

The demining operations took place in Marib, Aden, Jouf, Shabwa, Taiz, Hodeidah, Lahij, Sanaa, Al-Bayda, Al-Dhale and Saada.

A total of 439,132 mines have been cleared since the start of the initiative in 2018, according to Ousama Al-Gosaibi, the project’s managing director.

The initiative trains local demining engineers and provides them with modern equipment. It also offers support to Yemenis injured by the devices.

About 5 million people have been forced to flee their homes since the beginning of the conflict in Yemen, many of them displaced by the presence of land mines.

Masam teams are tasked with clearing villages, roads and schools to facilitate the safe movement of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian aid.


GCC chief stresses Islamic unity at OIC summit

Updated 05 May 2024
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GCC chief stresses Islamic unity at OIC summit

RIYADH: Jasem Albudaiwi, secretary-general of the Gulf Cooperation Council, said that member countries value their Islamic roots and aim to strengthen ties with other Islamic nations at all levels.

“The GCC countries have always extended their hands for cooperation and to establish fruitful partnerships with all Islamic countries, believing in the importance of this deep connection derived from our culture, religion and prophetic tradition.”

He made the comments Saturday during the 15th session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, the capital of Gambia.

Delegations from the 57 OIC member states attended the conference, organized by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation under the theme “Enhancing unity and solidarity through dialogue for sustainable development.”.

In his speech, Albudaiwi, said: “Today, we gather while the world is facing numerous and escalating challenges. In light of these dangerous developments, the role of the GCC and the OIC as two active forces to confront the multiple crises in our region and the world as a whole becomes prominent.

“The common challenges we face require collective action and solidarity to promote the values of peace and prosperity, particularly considering what Palestine and the Gaza Strip are subjected to — a brutal attack by Israeli occupation forces.”

Albudaiwi also highlighted the key outcomes of the extraordinary Arab-Islamic joint summit held in Riyadh last year. This meeting led to the creation of a ministerial committee to travel the world, seeking to aid and protect the Palestinian people in Gaza by reducing violence, safeguarding civilians, and reviving peace initiatives.

He praised the role played by this committee in stopping the aggression in the Gaza Strip, a role that is aligned with those of the GCC and other Arab and Islamic organisations.

The GCC chief noted that after more than 211 days, the Palestinian people in Gaza continue to suffer from the ongoing violence perpetrated by the occupying forces, with 35,000 people — mostly children and women — having died at an average rate of 165 deaths per day.

He also pointed out the significant threats to security and stability, especially because the escalating crises in the Middle East are linked to the turmoil in Palestine and Gaza.

“The ongoing Israeli aggression requires us all to renew our commitment to collective and responsible action in supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights,” he said.

Albudaiwi also emphasized the need to prioritize sustainable development in the agendas of the GCC and the OIC. “It requires all of us to work together to address the environmental and economic challenges that affect our countries and peoples. Additionally, we must enhance cooperation in the fields of science, technology, and innovation to support sustainable development projects.”


Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah

Updated 05 May 2024
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Metal bands battle it out in Jeddah

  • Saudi band Wasted Land emerged as champions of the 2024 Wacken Metal Battle Middle East

JEDDAH: Wacken Metal Battle Middle East arrived in Jeddah’s Makan Music Center on Friday night, providing a platform for local metal bands to showcase their musical prowess.

The battle of the bands event featured Jaheem, Volfram, Kaizer, and Wasted Land aiming for top spot, creating a memorable experience for regional metal fans.

The battle of the bands event featured Wasted Land, Jaheem, Volfram, and Kaizer aiming for top spot, while 2023 winner, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind, took to the stage as guest performers. (AN photos/Supplied)

Wacken Metal Battle Middle East — supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi, and a competition connected with Germany famous Wacken music festival — featured a jury of music experts and international guests, including judges from Germany, who evaluated the bands based on technical ability, song composition, and musical interpretation. They also took into account the band’s uniqueness, stage presence, audience interaction, execution of sound checks, communication, punctuality, and overall attitude.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Wacken Metal Battle Middle East was supported by the German Consulate in Jeddah and European Weeks in Saudi Arabia, and a competition connected with Germany’s famous Wacken music festival.

• Saudi band Volfram described the night as a ‘unique and unforgettable experience.’

The jury selected Wasted Land as the champions of the competition, meaning they now have the chance to perform at the Wacken festival, which takes place annually in Hamburg. Adding to the excitement, the winners of the 2023 event, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind also took to the stage as guest performers.

The battle of the bands event featured Wasted Land, Jaheem, Volfram, and Kaizer aiming for top spot, while 2023 winner, Egyptian band Erasing Mankind, took to the stage as guest performers. (AN photos/Supplied)

Promoter Monika Bremer said, “Since its inception 10 years ago, Metal Battle Middle East has provided numerous emerging bands with the opportunity to showcase their talent and advance their careers. This anniversary edition is an important milestone for the regional metal scene.

“Thanks to the support of our partners, emerging metal bands have the opportunity to participate in this competition and gain valuable experience,” she added.

Emad Ashor, guitarist and vocalist of Jeddah-based death metal outfit Immortal Pain and one of the judges at the event, said, “Talent, passion, and professionalism are key. This platform allows all bands to explore new experiences and pursue their dream of victory.”

Karim Mounir, composer and bassist of Erasing Mankind, who was also a judge at the event, said: “Wacken is all about embracing the present moment and fostering camaraderie between bands and the audience. Live performances truly distinguish bands, and the Saudi metal scene’s exceptional talent and musicianship have demonstrated their worthiness for such a significant event.

“The band that can most effectively captivate Wacken’s lively and inclusive crowd would be a perfect representative from the Middle East.”

Saudi band Volfram described the night as a “unique and unforgettable experience.”

Reflecting on the band’s journey to the final of the Wacken Metal Battle, a member of Kaizer said, “Being part of this competition is an honor in itself, and sharing the stage with incredible bands is an experience we will always treasure.

“Kaizer is just beginning and has so much more to offer. Our goal is to represent the Saudi metal scene in the most intense and impactful way possible. Earning the title of Jeddah’s Heaviest Music from the crowd is a recognition we deeply appreciate.”