Saudi Arabia’s Future Nuclear Program Logan Kerschner

Future Plans Nuclear Plans Saudi Arabia plans to construct 16 nuclear power reactors over the next 20 years at a cost of more than $80 billion, with the first reactor on line in 2022. Would potentially generate about 20% of Saudi Arabia's electricity. Part of a Larger Renewable Plan Plans to install 24 GW of renewable capacity by 2020, and 50 GWe by 2032. It projects 17 GW of nuclear capacity by 2032 to provide 15% of the power along with over 40 GW of solar capacity.

Reasons for Nuclear Diversified Energy Sources. Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing electricity consumer in the Middle East. Peak loads reached nearly 24 GW in 2001—25 times their 1975 level-and are expected to approach 60 GW by 2023. Current electricity generation capacity is 55 GW, with 65% from oil and 27% from natural gas. With investments in solar and nuclear, Saudi Arabia has a goal of obtain all electric energy generation from renewable resources. “Saudization” A means to provide jobs to Saudis. $10 billion in higher-education investment. The kingdom's relatively small higher-education system has not been able to handle the growing demand, leaving large numbers of young people without college degrees and thus unemployable.

Nuclear Hedging? Nuclear hedging in case Iran obtains nuclear weapons. United States Pacific Realignment. Iran/United States diplomacy. New Israel/Saudi agreement. Nuclear weapons from Pakistan. Issues with dual-use technologies.

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