Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), affirmed that Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in nuclear energy are completely legitimate.
In a televised interview on Saturday, Grossi expressed no doubts about Saudi Arabia’s respect for international regulations and its close cooperation with the agency, stating that it has the right to benefit from clean energy sources. He highlighted that “the peaceful use of nuclear energy is a clear path to a carbon-free future, alongside the gradual transition to clean energy, which we discuss with Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in climate change negotiations.”
It is noted that the Saudi Energy Minister, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, revealed that the kingdom is working on a project to build its first nuclear power station. He also announced the kingdom’s support for the IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative launched in 2022 with $2.5 million to help save lives and address the burden of cancer diseases using nuclear technologies.
Additionally, Grossi praised the upcoming inauguration of the Nuclear Security Training Center in Seibersdorf, set to open in October, an initiative proposed and financially supported by the kingdom in collaboration with other countries
