Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman announced Monday that the Kingdom plans to produce “yellowcake,” a uranium concentrate used as fuel for nuclear power plants, and to enrich and sell uranium globally. The statement, made at an energy conference, highlights Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to expand its nuclear program and diversify its economy beyond oil.
The announcement aligns with Saudi Arabia’s “Vision 2030” initiative, spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and embrace renewable and nuclear energy. Projects such as the proposed green megacity Neom, which aims to operate entirely on sustainable energy, may depend on nuclear power for feasibility.
The Saudi government’s pursuit of nuclear energy began with a 2010 decree emphasizing the need for atomic energy to meet growing electricity demands, desalinate water, and preserve hydrocarbon reserves. In 2017, the Kingdom declared its intention to achieve self-sufficiency in producing nuclear fuel by developing its uranium industry.
Despite these peaceful aims, Saudi officials have not ruled out the possibility of pursuing nuclear weapons, particularly in response to threats from Iran. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman stated in 2018 that if Iran developed a nuclear bomb, Saudi Arabia would follow suit. However, tensions between the two nations eased following a 2023 normalization deal brokered by China.
Reports indicate that Saudi Arabia has sought U.S. cooperation to build nuclear energy facilities. Negotiations under the Biden administration included discussions of a security agreement with a “civil nuclear component,” though no deal materialized. With President-elect Donald Trump set to return to office, Riyadh’s nuclear ambitions could become a key issue in U.S.-Saudi relations.
Saudi Arabia’s enriched uranium plans signal a major step in its long-term energy strategy. However, the potential dual-use nature of nuclear technology will likely raise concerns among international observers, particularly regarding nonproliferation and regional security.
