Saudi Arabia Accelerates Nuclear Plant Bid Process: Reports
Saudi Arabia has resumed plans to develop its first nuclear power plant in Duwaiheen, according to reports. The project, initially planned in the mid-2010s, aims to diversify the kingdom’s energy sources and reduce reliance on oil.
Riyadh has initiated bilateral discussions with several nuclear technology providers. These include China National Nuclear Corporation, Korea Electric Power Corporation (Kepco), Rosatom from Russia, and EDF Group from France. These companies have been invited to bid for the contract to develop the large-scale nuclear power plant.
The Saudi Power Procurement Company (SPPC) has received bids for financial, legal, and technical consultancy contracts. These contracts will prepare and review project agreements related to electricity procurement from the Duwaiheen nuclear power plant.
Project Details and Timeline
The Duwaiheen nuclear power plant is expected to be a 2.8GW facility. It will be procured using a traditional design-and-build model. The project client, King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KA-Care), has set and extended bid submission deadlines several times since 2022.
The ongoing conflict between Israel, Gaza, and other neighboring countries has extended the procurement timeline. Additionally, Riyadh is using the project as a bargaining chip with the US government, which opposes uranium enrichment and pushes for the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia.
Project Management and Consultancy
In 2023, Duwaiheen Nuclear Energy Company received three bids for the project management consultancy package. The bidding companies include Atkins (UK/Canada), Worley (Australia), and Assystems (France). Two of these bidders have had previous engagements with the Saudi nuclear energy project.
The Duwaiheen nuclear power plant project is a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s energy diversification agenda. Despite delays and political complexities, the project remains a key component of the kingdom’s Vision 2030 initiative. The successful completion of this project will not only provide a new source of electricity but also support seawater desalination and thermal energy applications.
