Saudi Arabia Cabinet Approves National Atomic Policy
Fahad Shabbir (@FahadShabbir) Published March 15, 2018 | 12:04 PM
Saudi Arabia's cabinet has approved the national policy of its atomic energy programme, state media said, as the kingdom prepares to award contracts for its first nuclear power plants.
RIYADH, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 15th Mar, 2018 ) :Saudi Arabia's cabinet has approved the national policy of its atomic energy programme, state media said, as the kingdom prepares to award contracts for its first nuclear power plants.The policy insists on limiting nuclear activities to peaceful purposes and calls for enhanced safety measures as well as the use of best practices for radioactive waste management, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported.
Saudi Arabia, the world's top oil exporter, is seeking nuclear power to diversify its energy supply mix in order to free up oil to boost exports. The policy announcement comes ahead of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman's visit to the United States on March 19-22, which is likely to see efforts to reach a civilian nuclear co-operation accord with Washington.
The kingdom has accelerated plans to build 16 nuclear reactors over the next two decades, officials and analysts say, at a cost of some $80 billion. Negotiations are underway with the United States for its agreement to export technology needed for their construction.
Besides the US company Westinghouse, Russian, French, Chinese and South Korean firms have all been seeking the Saudi contracts.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 25 April 2024
Today Gold Rate in Pakistan 25 April 2024
Mired in crisis, Boeing reports another loss
Session Awarding Ceremony 2024 held at Cadet College Muzaffarabad
Austrian ski great Hirscher to make comeback under Dutch flag
Pakistan, Japan agrees to convene 'Economic Policy Dialogue'
FM Dar conveys deepest sympathy on torrential rains devastation in UAE
Spain PM Sanchez says weighing resignation after wife's graft probe
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - 1st update
Long-lost Klimt portrait auctioned off for 30 mn euros
Osaka seals first win on clay since 2022 in Madrid
Earthquake jolts Karachi
More Stories From World
-
The guardian angels of the source of the Seine
18 minutes ago -
Star Dudamel brings inclusive vision to New York Philharmonic
1 hour ago -
Paris dream of swimming in the Seine finally within reach
2 hours ago -
Portugal's Carnation Revolution, 50 years on
2 hours ago -
Tough times for Argentine factories as consumers penny-pinch
2 hours ago -
Use of alcohol and e-cigarettes among youth 'alarming': WHO
2 hours ago
-
Football: Italian Cup result
2 hours ago -
Bird flu in humans? Experts see little risk
2 hours ago -
Car giants vie for EV crown at Beijing's Auto China show
2 hours ago -
Meta profits soar but costs of AI cause worry
2 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results - collated
2 hours ago -
Football: French Ligue 1 results - collated
2 hours ago