Saudi Arabia to sign deals for 2 nuclear reactors in 2018

Saudi Arabia is expected to sign contracts to build two nuclear reactors by the end of 2018, Reuters reported, citing energy minister Khalid Al-Falih.

The Kingdom is considering building 17.6 gigawatts of nuclear capacity by 2032, the equivalent of about 17 reactors. It has already sent a request for information to international suppliers to build two reactors.

Earlier this month, Al-Falih called on US firms to participate in developing its civilian nuclear power program, reiterating that the country was “not interested” in using nuclear technology for military purposes.

Russia, France and South Korea have also expressed interest in developing nuclear power projects for the world’s top oil exporter.

Meanwhile, Al-Falih said that Saudi Aramco’s Jizan oil refinery will start operations by the end of next year.

The 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) refinery, owned by Saudi Aramco, will process heavy and medium crude oil into around 75,000 barrels per day of gasoline and 250,000 bpd of ultra-low-sulfur diesel when complete.