The United States and Saudi Arabia have reached a landmark agreement on civil nuclear power that permits the kingdom to build nuclear reactors using American technology and to enrich uranium, according to the U.S. Energy Department. The “historic” deal was signed by U.S. Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Minister of Energy His Royal Highness Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman. abc.net.au
The 123 Agreement and Technical Scope
The pact, known as a 123 Agreement, was signed alongside a bilateral safeguards agreement. These documents establish the legal framework for a multi-billion-dollar partnership expected to last approximately 30 years. The deal specifically involves the construction of AP1000 reactors, a project worth tens of billions of dollars that would benefit Westinghouse, a company jointly owned by Brookfield Asset Management and Canada-based Cameco. aol.com
An industry source noted that the agreement requires a feasibility study regarding the use of U.S. technology in Saudi Arabia. Due to the slow pace of uranium enrichment and nuclear plant construction, it could take many years to establish the necessary infrastructure. rte.ie
Nonproliferation Concerns and Diplomatic Stakes
The agreement allows Saudi Arabia to reprocess nuclear waste and enrich uranium, both of which are potential pathways to developing a nuclear weapon. This marks a significant departure from a 2009 similar deal with the UAE, in which the UAE agreed to forgo both activities. Additionally, unlike a plan proposed by former President Joe Biden, this current deal does not include an Additional Protocol
that would allow the UN’s International Atomic Energy Agency to conduct intrusive snap inspections. abc.net.au
The Trump administration stated the deal abides by nonproliferation agreements within the U.S. Atomic Energy Act. Saudi Arabia has previously indicated that if it did not partner with the U.S., it might seek partnerships with Russia or China, which maintain different proliferation standards. aol.com
Political Opposition and Congressional Review
The deal must now be submitted to Congress. It will go into force unless Congress votes to object within 90 session days; however, overriding a presidential veto would require a two-thirds majority. rte.ie
The agreement has faced sharp criticism from some U.S. lawmakers and experts:
- Kelsey Davenport: The director for nonproliferation policy at the Arms Control Association urged Congress to reject or modify the deal to prevent opening the door for proliferation in the Middle East.
Senator Jim Risch (R) also expressed agreement with the Saudi Crown Prince that the deal would benefit both nations. aol.com
Regional Context and Energy Needs
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has stated he does not want the kingdom to build a nuclear weapon, but has asserted that it would do so if Iran did. rte.ie
The move comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to diversify its energy production. According to U.S. The kingdom currently has no nuclear power plants. bbc.com
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