Saudi Arabia’s nuclear power program on track: Al-Falih

Saudi Arabia’s plans to build two large nuclear power reactors are on track, energy minister Khalid Al-Falih said in a press conference on Wednesday.

Going forward, the Kingdom will decide on the rate of growth in nuclear energy contribution, based on efficiency and experience.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Energy will tender 2,225 gigawatt (GW) of solar power and around 850 megawatts of wind through 12 projects this year.

These projects include 200 MW solar plant in Qurayyat, two 50 MW solar projects in Al-Madinah and Rafha, a 600 MW solar plant in Al-Faisaliah, four 300 MW projects in Rabigh, Jedah, Sa’ad and Ar-Rass, a 20 MW solar plant in Mahd Ad Dahab, as well as a 850 MW wind plant in Yanbu.

Saudi Arabia is also planning to increase reliance on gas to produce power to 70 percent within 12 years.

Al-Falih added that he expects demand for power to rise 40 percent by 2030, driven by economic growth rather than higher consumption.

The Kingdom targets to boost power generation capacity to 75 percent, with renewable energy representing over 30 percent of total capacity by 2030.