Russia offers to build 16 Saudi nuclear plants

Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation has reportedly offered to build 16 nuclear power units in Saudi Arabia by 2030.

Saudi Gazette cited Yury Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin as confirming the project, which is valued at $100bn.

“Our company, which has the most advanced technologies, is ready to join the project to construct 16 nuclear power reactors in the kingdom,” he was quoted as saying.

Ushakov went on to describe how an intergovernmental agreement between the corporation and Saudi Arabia’s King Abdulaziz City for for Science and Technology signed in July 2015 is underway.

“Last year we signed the intergovernmental agreement with Saudi Arabia on cooperation in the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes. We established a joint coordination committee and held its first meeting,” he said, according to the publication.

Last month, Russia’s energy minister expressed an interest in Saudi Arabia’s plans to develop its nuclear power sector.

Read: Russia expresses interest in Saudi nuclear plans

However, accepting Russian help may be considered controversial after the country helped rival Iran establish its nuclear programme.