US and Saudi Arabia intend to cooperate in nuclear energy

The United States and Saudi Arabia have formalized a partnership in peaceful nuclear energy cooperation, signing key agreements that lay the groundwork for a significant, long-term collaboration. The U.S. Department of Energy announced the signing of a bilateral agreement on guarantees and control measures, alongside the nuclear cooperation deal.

These documents are designed to provide a legal foundation for a multi-billion dollar partnership expected to span decades. While the agreements aim to foster civilian nuclear power, concerns linger among some experts. They fear that Saudi Arabia might leverage the acquired technology to develop nuclear weapons, potentially triggering a new arms race in the Middle East.

The agreements, known as "123 Agreements" under the U.S. Atomic Energy Act, typically govern the transfer, use, and storage of nuclear materials. A distinctive feature of the U.S.-Saudi deal is the potential for Saudi Arabia to enrich its own uranium for fuel production at a U.S.-assisted facility, following joint research. This contrasts with the 2009 U.S.-UAE agreement, where the Emirates voluntarily relinquished the right to independent nuclear fuel production.

The development occurs amid ongoing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran over Iran's nuclear program. Saudi Arabia has sought access to U.S. nuclear technology since the George W. Bush administration. Energy experts estimate that Saudi Arabia would need at least a decade to bring its first civilian nuclear power plants online.