Dhahran: Under the auspices of the King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), the second Saudi International Conference on Nuclear Power Engineering (SCOPE) opened at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, bringing together leading experts, academics, researchers, and specialists in nuclear science and engineering from across the Kingdom and around the world.
According to Saudi Press Agency, KACARE head of Nuclear Energy Technology Development and Innovation Sector Dr. Sharaf Al-Sharif delivered a keynote speech stating that SCOPE is not merely a technical event but a platform that unites vision, capability, national expertise, and international experience. He noted this diversity reflects the Kingdom’s remarkable progress in developing an integrated energy system aligned with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.
He also said the project to establish the Kingdom’s first large-scale nuclear power plant is making tangible progress, with technical specifications finalized in accordance with the highest international standards. This milestone, he pointed out, will strengthen national energy security and stimulate local industry.
He added that KACARE is preparing for the next phase by assessing technologies related to small modular reactors (SMRs), given their flexibility and potential to provide low-emission solutions for electricity generation, water desalination, and hydrogen production. He emphasized that the Kingdom’s entry into this field will be backed by comprehensive national capabilities in human talent, technology, and industry.
Al-Sharif concluded by reaffirming that human capital lies at the core of Saudi Arabia’s nuclear program. He noted that KACARE continues to invest in developing national expertise through scholarships, training initiatives, and research programs, while strengthening regulatory and operational competencies in this vital sector. He affirmed that the Kingdom’s journey in nuclear energy began with confidence and will continue toward regional and global leadership in peaceful and advanced nuclear technologies.