Rafael Grossi, Director General of the IAEA, the UN’s nuclear energy watchdog, was effusive in his praise of Saudi Arabia’s budding nuclear program during a visit on 13 December. “The kingdom has taken a very wise decision to add nuclear power to the options in this integrated energy mix,” said Mr Grossi, adding that “we have greatly intensified our cooperation in the past few years because of the faster pace with which Saudi Arabia is preparing itself for the introduction of nuclear power… I am very impressed by the degree of professionalism I see in the Saudi nuclear sector.”
One of the most important facilities that Mr Grossi visited was the Low Power Research Reactor at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) in Riyadh. Not yet operational, the facility will be crucial in providing technical experience and training opportunities for nuclear scientists and engineers. (CONTINUED - 343 WORDS)
