Rosatom awaits response from Saudi Arabia on NPP construction in 2019
MOSCOW. Oct 3 (Interfax) - Russia state corporation Rosatom expects to receive a response from Saudi Arabia to its proposal for construction of a nuclear power plant in Saudi Arabia in 2019, a source at Rosatom told Interfax.
"The process is underway. It is proceeding according to the rules set down by Saudi Arabia. We are fully participating," the source said, adding: "We believe our proposal is the best."
The specifics will appear in 2019. "We expect clarification of the situation next year. I cannot say to what extent it will be formalized," the source said.
It was reported in July that Rosatom was included on a shortlist for the next stage of the tender to build the first ever NPP in Saudi Arabia.
Rosatom's proposal for Saudi Arabia includes a 3+ generation station with VVER-1200 reactions. As part of the proposal, the Russian company will also be able to supply the client with fuel for the NPP for its entire lifespan, assist in the training of personnel, preparing a regulatory framework and establishing nuclear infrastructure.
Reports surfaced in February 2018 that Rosatom had applied to participate in the tender to build a two power unit NPP in Saudi Arabia. The results of the tender are set to be announced by the end of 2018.
Russia and Saudi Arabia signed an intergovernmental agreement on peaceful uses of the atom in 2015. At that time Saudi Arabia announced plans for construction of 16 nuclear power units by 2030 at an overall cost of $100 billion. Vendors began submitting proposals in the fall of 2017.