The Kingdom affirms from South Korea that its nuclear program goes beyond electricity generation to localizing advanced industries, developing national capabilities, and enhancing energy security.

Incheon | BETH

October 28, 2026

Saudi Arabia affirmed that nuclear energy represents a long-term strategic option as part of its efforts to diversify energy sources, enhance energy security, and establish a new economic and technological sector supporting the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.

The statement came during the Kingdom's participation in the Sixth International Ministerial Conference on Nuclear Power, hosted by the Korean city of Incheon until October 29, with the participation of ministers, officials, and international experts.

Prince Dr. Mamdouh bin Saud bin Thunayan, Chief Executive Officer of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy and head of the Saudi delegation, explained that the National Atomic Energy Program is not limited to electricity generation, but also includes developing high-tech industries, localizing knowledge, building national capabilities, and enhancing the competitiveness of the Saudi economy.

He reaffirmed the Kingdom's commitment to developing its nuclear program through a gradual and balanced approach based on international standards and peaceful uses, while strengthening nuclear safety and security and cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency.

He also called for expanding international cooperation in advanced nuclear technologies, developing supply chains, training human resources, and strengthening public confidence in nuclear energy through transparency.

BETH Analysis

The significance of Saudi Arabia's nuclear program extends beyond diversifying electricity generation sources to establishing an advanced industrial and technological base.

Expanding the peaceful uses of nuclear energy opens opportunities for investment, the localization of specialized industries, the development of Saudi talent, and the establishment of supply chains with long-term economic value.

This direction reflects the Kingdom's shift from treating nuclear energy as an additional source of electricity to considering it one of the pathways toward industrial and technological development and enhanced energy security in the future.