RIYADH: “Tangible progress” is being made on the project to establish Saudi Arabia’s first large-scale nuclear power plant, a member of the Kingdom’s atomic energy body said on Thursday.
Sharaf Al-Sharif, KACARE’s Nuclear Energy Technology Development and Innovation Sector head, delivered a keynote speech at second Saudi International Conference on Nuclear Power Engineering, known as SCOPE, at the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
He noted that the Kingdom is making remarkable progress in developing an integrated energy system aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He said that the power plant project is being developed with technical specifications finalized in accordance with the highest international standards.
This milestone, he pointed out, will strengthen national energy security and stimulate local industry.
The SCOPE conference was held under the auspices of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy.
He added that KACARE was preparing for the next phase by assessing technologies related to small modular reactors, given their flexibility and potential to provide low-emission solutions for electricity generation, water desalination, and hydrogen production.
He emphasized that the Kingdom’s entry into this field would be backed by comprehensive national capabilities in human talent, technology, and industry.
Al-Sharif added that the Kingdom’s journey in nuclear energy began with confidence and will continue toward regional and global leadership in peaceful and advanced nuclear technologies.
He reaffirmed that human capital was at the core of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program.
He noted that KACARE continued to invest in developing national expertise through scholarships, training initiatives, and research programs, while strengthening regulatory and operational competencies in the vital sector.
