Saudi Arabia and the United States have signed a landmark nuclear cooperation agreement, marking a significant step toward the Kingdom’s plans to develop a civilian nuclear power programme with the support of US technology and expertise.
The agreement, signed by US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, establishes the legal framework that will allow American companies to participate in Saudi Arabia’s nuclear energy projects. The deal, known as a 123 Agreement, must now undergo review by the US Congress before it can officially take effect.
According to the US Department of Energy, the agreement, together with a bilateral safeguards framework, is designed to expand cooperation on the peaceful use of nuclear energy while reinforcing commercial ties, strengthening energy security, and maintaining commitments to nuclear non-proliferation.
The framework is expected to create new opportunities for US nuclear technology providers and supply chains while helping Saudi Arabia address rising electricity demand and diversify its energy mix. Saudi officials said the agreement builds on the strategic partnership between the two nations following Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s visit to the United States last year.
In a statement, Saudi Arabia said the partnership would deepen collaboration in the peaceful application of nuclear energy through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, and advanced technologies, while adhering to the highest international standards of nuclear safety, security, and non-proliferation.
The US Department of Energy emphasized that the agreement complies with the requirements of the US Atomic Energy Act and upholds strict nuclear safety and security standards. Secretary Wright described the deal as a reflection of the two countries’ commitment to expanding economic cooperation while supporting regional and global energy security through advanced US nuclear technology.
The agreement is also expected to support the potential deployment of US-designed AP1000 nuclear reactors in Saudi Arabia, a project the US has described as a multi-billion-dollar long-term partnership. However, industry analysts note that regulatory approvals, feasibility assessments, and construction timelines mean commercial nuclear power generation is still several years away.
Before implementation, the agreement must complete a 90-day legislative review period in the US Congress, during which lawmakers have the authority to object.
Saudi Arabia becomes the second Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member to establish a civilian nuclear cooperation agreement with the United States. The UAE remains the region’s leader in commercial nuclear energy through the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant, whose four operational reactors generate approximately 40 terawatt-hours of carbon-free electricity annually—meeting around a quarter of the country’s electricity demand while preventing an estimated 22.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year.
The latest agreement highlights Saudi Arabia’s long-term strategy to diversify its energy portfolio, strengthen energy security, and support its broader economic transformation and sustainability goals while expanding cooperation with the United States in advanced energy technologies.
