The agreement signed last year was the first in the history of the Saudi-Russian relations to create a legal framework for the cooperation between the two countries across all sectors of the civil nuclear industry. More specifically, the agreement provides for the establishment of a steering committee for joint consultations and working groups for particular projects. It also covers issues related to the management of spent nuclear fuel and radioactive waste, as well as production of isotopes for industrial, medical and agricultural purposes. Staff training is one more aspect governed by the agreement.
At the meeting that was held in Saudi Arabia’s capital of Riyadh, the parties discussed cooperation on peaceful uses of nuclear energy and opportunities to develop partnerships and joint projects, including those in the civil nuclear industry and involving Saudi Arabia as an equal partner.
Another meeting was held between Dr. Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, Director of the Center for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and Kirill Komarov, Rosatom’s First Deputy CEO for Corporate Development and International Business. The Russian officials were informed about ambitious plans of the Kingdom for the development of nuclear and renewable energy. Having established the Center for Atomic and Renewable Energy, Saudi Arabia is undoubtedly striving to develop new sources of power for electricity generation and water desalination. Conservation of hydrocarbons for their subsequent exports will secure the national economic development.
The civil nuclear cooperation agreement was approved earlier this March at the Cabinet’s meeting chaired by King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.
At present, Saudi Arabia does not have commercial nuclear stations although its plans for the development of nuclear energy are far-reaching. It was announced earlier that the country aimed to commission 17 GW in new capacity by 2032, but no construction has started so far. Rosatom is prepared to make Saudi Arabia an integrated offer that will feature all key products, such as construction of nuclear stations and research reactors as well as nuclear fuel supplies.
