Riyadh, December 14, 2023, Saudi Minister of Energy, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, met with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi during Grossi's visit to the Kingdom. The purpose of the visit was to explore the latest technologies and procedures related to the nuclear energy sector in Saudi Arabia.
During the visit, Grossi toured the regulatory laboratories of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Commission (NRRC), where he gained insights into the crucial role these laboratories play in supporting the NRRC in fulfilling its regulatory responsibilities. These laboratories, accredited by the IAEA's Analytical Laboratories for the Measurement of Environmental Radioactivity (ALMERA) network, contribute to assessing nuclear materials to meet international commitments of the Kingdom.
Grossi also visited the Nuclear Emergency Operations Center, emphasizing the importance of the robust regulatory framework implemented by Saudi Arabia, showcasing the Kingdom's readiness to commence nuclear programs for energy production.
The IAEA Director General also visited the King Abdullah City for Atomic & Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE) to discuss ongoing collaboration between the two entities. This collaboration has contributed to enhancing human capabilities in Saudi Arabia in the fields of atomic energy, nuclear and radiation technologies, technical cooperation projects, and expert missions.
The visit included a tour of the Mishkat Interactive Center for Atomic and Renewable Energy, an initiative by K.A.CARE aimed at raising community awareness about atomic and renewable energy through diverse and interactive programs.
Grossi also visited King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) to learn about the Low Power Research Reactor, a major project under Saudi Vision 2030 and a pillar of the National Project for Atomic Energy. The reactor is designed to equip national personnel with high skills in atomic energy technologies, enhance research and innovation outputs, and transfer and localize promising nuclear technologies.
The IAEA Director General concluded his tour with a visit to King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center in Riyadh, where he learned about the technologies used in the Cyclotron and Radiopharmaceuticals Department, meeting the needs of local and regional medical centers for radioactive preparations used in the diagnosis and treatment of various diseases.
