Bechtel discussing potential role in Saudi nuclear program, says CEO

US-based Bechtel Group is “very interested” in Saudi Arabia’s plans for a civil nuclear program and is discussing potential roles for the company, Bloomberg reported, citing chief executive officer Brendan Bechtel.

“This kind of work is right in our sweet spot,” Bechtel said. “It’s going to be highly competitive and there are multiple solutions from different nation-states competing. The US is going to need to be competitive to secure a role." 

Saudi Arabia is already considering working with companies from the US and South Korea as it seeks to build as many as 16 nuclear reactors in the Kingdom.

Bechtel said his firm is in discussions with the Saudi government’s King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, and the tender process is “moving pretty fast.”

Saudi officials have earlier said they expect to sign contracts to build the first two reactors by the end of this year.

The chief executive said that the company is also interested in the NEOM project, announced by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman last year.

“We stand ready to help” with the $500 billion project, Bechtel said. “Nothing has ever been attempted at this level before.”