Saudi Arabia intends to develop a full nuclear programme that includes the production and enrichment of uranium, according to the country’s new energy minister.
Speaking at the 24th World Energy Congress in Abu Dhabi, Prince Abdulaziz said the metal would be used primarily for fuel but the process can also be used by the military, an issue which is causing great concern for western countries over Iran’s atomic work.
“We are proceeding with it cautiously … we are experimenting with two nuclear reactors,” Prince Abdulaziz is quoted by Reuters as saying, referring to a plan to issue a tender for the kingdom’s first two nuclear power reactors.
The tender is expected in 2020, with US, Russian, South Korean, Chinese and French firms involved in preliminary talks about the multi-billion-dollar project.
Prince Abdulaziz was speaking for the first time since his appointment earlier this week, replacing Khalid Al-Falih.
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