Saudi Arabia and Argentina sign nuclear cooperation deal

• 12 years ago (2011-06-29)
• David Flin

Middle East 311 North America 998 Nuclear 640

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The Saudi Arabian government has announced that it has signed a nuclear energy cooperation deal with Argentina.

Argentina’s Atomic Energy Commission and technology firm INVAP have a simplified PWR design aimed at small-scale electricity generation and water desalination projects, both desired by the Saudi government.

Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, President of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, said: “Saudi Arabia is very pleased to have entered into a cooperation agreement with Argentina, a country that has exhibited continued leadership in the transfer of technology, the sharing of best practices, and the safe operation of atomic reactors. With Saudi Arabia’s local power demand expected to nearly triple in the next 20 years, it’s critical that the Kingdom uses atomic and renewable energy technologies to meet this growing demand in a safe, sustainable and clean manner.”

Saudi Arabia is struggling to keep up with rapidly rising power demand, especially for energy-intensive seawater desalination, and wants to build nuclear reactors to cut gas and oil burning in the power generation sector. It has signed similar agreements with several other countries with experience in nuclear energy.