US and Saudi Arabia to Cooperate on Civil Nuclear Industry
Energy Secretary Chris Wright Meets with Saudi Energy Minister
RIYADH: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright met with Saudi Arabia’s Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman on Sunday, as part of his tour of energy-producing Gulf states. The meeting marked a significant step towards cooperation between the two countries on the kingdom’s ambitions to develop a civil nuclear industry.
Preliminary Agreement to Cooperate
Wright announced that the US and Saudi Arabia will sign a preliminary agreement to cooperate on the development of a Saudi civil nuclear programme. The agreement is expected to outline the terms of the cooperation between the two countries, including the role of the US government and American companies in the venture.
123 Agreement Required
A 123 agreement, as referred to in Section 123 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954, will be necessary for the US government and American companies to work with entities in Saudi Arabia to develop a civil nuclear industry. This agreement is required to ensure that the technology is not used for military purposes or to transfer sensitive materials to other countries.
Previous Obstacles
Progress on the discussions had been difficult due to Saudi Arabia’s reluctance to sign a deal that would rule out the possibility of enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel, which are both potential paths to developing a nuclear weapon. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has previously stated that if Iran develops a nuclear weapon, Saudi Arabia would follow suit, fuelling concerns among arms control advocates and some US lawmakers.
Renewable Energy Goals
Saudi Arabia, the world’s largest oil exporter, is seeking to generate substantial renewable energy and reduce emissions under the crown prince’s Vision 2030 reform plan. At least some of this is expected to come from nuclear energy.
Next Steps
Wright did not provide further details on the agreement, stating that more information would be available later this year. However, he emphasized that the US and Saudi Arabia are on a “pathway” to reaching an agreement.
Conclusion
The agreement between the US and Saudi Arabia marks a significant step towards cooperation on the development of a civil nuclear industry. While the agreement is still in its preliminary stages, it has the potential to pave the way for a major partnership between the two countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the 123 agreement?
A: The 123 agreement is required to permit the US government and American companies to work with entities in Saudi Arabia to develop a civil nuclear industry, ensuring that the technology is not used for military purposes or to transfer sensitive materials to other countries.
Q: What are the obstacles to the agreement?
A: Saudi Arabia’s reluctance to sign a deal that would rule out the possibility of enriching uranium or reprocessing spent fuel, which are both potential paths to developing a nuclear weapon.
Q: What is the significance of the agreement?
A: The agreement has the potential to pave the way for a major partnership between the US and Saudi Arabia, marking a significant step towards cooperation on the development of a civil nuclear industry.
Q: What are the renewable energy goals of Saudi Arabia?
A: Saudi Arabia is seeking to generate substantial renewable energy and reduce emissions under the crown prince’s Vision 2030 reform plan. At least some of this is expected to come from nuclear energy.