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Prince Salman Launches Saudia’s First Nuclear Research Reactor

Web Desk (November 06, 2018): Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launches project to build the first nuclear research reactor in the kingdom.

In March, he had announced that the kingdom would develop nuclear weapons if Iran does so.

“Saudi Arabia does not want to acquire any nuclear bomb, but without a doubt, if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, we will follow suit as soon as possible,” he told

Saudi Arabia, the world’s top oil exporter, currently relies largely on oil and natural gas to meet its growing energy demands. The gulf state is seeking nuclear power to diversify its energy supply mix in order to free up oil to boost exports.The projects comprise three giant developments: the nuclear research reactor; a centre for developing aircraft fuselage; and the Saudi Central Laboratory for Human Genome.

The design of the reactor has been developed by KACST scientists with the help of international experts. Construction of the reactor is already under way and expected to be completed by the end of next year, said a News report.

It will follow all the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The reactor is designed to use uranium oxide fuel with 2.1 per cent enrichment.

The kingdom plans to build two full nuclear power reactors for energy and as many as 16 over the next 25 years.Meanwhile, the SR4-billion Saudi Central Laboratory for Human Genome, which documents a map for the genetics of the Saudi society, will be equipped to diagnose a large number of genetic diseases.

The crown prince launched seven strategic projects in renewable energy, atomic energy, genetic medicine, water desalination, and the aircraft industry during a visit to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology on Monday.

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