Eng. Khalid A. Al-Falih, Minister of Energy, Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, delivered his country's address before the annual 62nd General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), held in Austria's capital, Vienna, from 17-21 September 2018. At the start of his speech, Eng. Al-Falih conveyed the appreciation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's leadership of the great efforts exerted by the IAEA in promoting regulatory, scientific and technical cooperation and focuses attention on the safe and peaceful use of nuclear technology. The Kingdom, he pointed out, is of the view that introducing atomic energy to electricity generation is a fundamental, strategic option for the development and integration of a sustainable, environment-friendly and efficient energy sector that enables the Kingdom to invest in all of its natural resources and highly competitive capabilities. This is in line with the Kingdom's keenness on implementing the objectives of its national aggressive developmental vision; the Kingdom 2030 Vision, and diversifying its electricity generation sources to meet increasing national electricity demand, he added. The minister explained that in order to implement this strategic vision, the Kingdom launched two ambitious programs to diversify its energy sources, namely the King Salman Renewable Energy Initiative and the National Atomic Energy Program, which was launched in July 2017. He also indicated that in addition to developing atomic energy to be a part of the Kingdom's energy mix, the launch of the National Atomic Energy Program aligns with the Kingdom's endeavor to create a technologically-advanced national industry consistent with the Saudi Vision 2030 which seeks to diversify the economy, create an attractive investment environment, generate new job opportunities and develop Saudi Arabia's human capital. Eng. Al-Falih further stressed that the Kingdom, recognizing the importance and sensitivity of atomic energy use, is implementing its National Atomic Energy Program in accordance with all international treaties and conventions and best international practices, adhering to the highest safety, security and transparency standards. The Kingdom, he also indicated, honoring its commitment to all nuclear-related international treaties and agreements it is party to, has established the agencies and issued the required laws for implementing its National Atomic Energy Program and managing its components. He, specifically, referred to the Kingdom's issuance of the official National Policy Document of the National Atomic Energy Program, the Law for Control over Nuclear and Radiological Usages and the Law for Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages, as well as the establishment of the Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority in a manner that complies fully with IAEA requirements. --More 20:22 LOCAL TIME 17:22 GMT 0036 www.spa.gov.sa/1814850
