Saudi Arabia Participates in Third High-Level Meeting of IAEA World Fusion Energy Group in Vienna
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia participated on Thursday in the third High-Level Meeting of the IAEA World Fusion Energy Group, held in Vienna, Austria, and organized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), with the participation of representatives of member states and entities involved in nuclear science and technology.
CEO of King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE) Prince Mamdouh bin Saud bin Thunayan headed the Kingdom’s delegation at the meeting. The event was held as part of international efforts to strengthen cooperation, exchange knowledge and expertise in fusion energy, and discuss scientific and technological developments, as well as the opportunities and challenges associated with advancing this promising technology.
In his speech, Prince Mamdouh bin Saud emphasized that fusion energy is a promising field that could contribute to diversifying clean energy sources, strengthening energy supply security, and meeting development needs in the future. He highlighted the importance of continuing international efforts to address scientific, technical, engineering, and economic challenges to support the development of this technology and demonstrate its economic viability on a commercial scale.
He also indicated that, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030, the Kingdom attaches importance to diversifying its energy mix, strengthening its national capabilities in advanced science and technology, developing human resources, and establishing institutional and regulatory frameworks in the nuclear field. Prince Mamdouh bin Saud noted that these efforts aim to prepare the Kingdom to benefit from future technologies and ensure their safe and effective use in accordance with international standards and commitments.
He said achieving the ambitions associated with fusion energy requires sustained international cooperation and coordinated efforts by governments, scientific institutions, and the private sector. He stressed the importance of linking research and development to practical application needs, developing human capabilities and supply chains, and strengthening research cooperation, specialized training, and technology transfer. He added that these efforts would help create the conditions necessary for a gradual transition toward commercially viable applications.
Prince Mamdouh bin Saud emphasized the important role played by the IAEA in facilitating the exchange of knowledge and expertise and strengthening coordination among member states. He also stressed the importance of inclusiveness and providing all countries with opportunities to participate, ensuring that the future benefits of fusion energy are shared. Additionally, he underscored the need to adhere to the principles of safety, security, and transparency, honor relevant international commitments, and develop regulatory frameworks that take into account the specific characteristics of this technology and ensure the protection of people and the environment.
Saudi Arabia’s participation in the meeting underscores its commitment to keeping pace with global developments in fusion energy technologies, strengthening its presence at specialized international forums, expanding cooperation with countries and international organizations, and exchanging knowledge and expertise in advanced scientific and technological fields. These efforts support the Kingdom’s objectives of diversifying its energy mix, developing national capabilities, and enhancing its contribution to international efforts to achieve energy security and sustainable development.
