الطاقة النووية.. «رؤية» لا تعرف المستحيل

Like the true dawn, and the promise fulfilled without delay or procrastination; the announcement of the agreement between the Kingdom and the United States to develop the Saudi nuclear program came as a revelation. At that moment, thoughts flashed through my mind like lightning, recalling the bright stances filled with shining words, proclaimed by Minister of Energy Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at many global forums, announcing the Kingdom's approach to entering the global nuclear club, specifically in 2026, through peaceful means and mutual benefit with the world.

At that time, the confidence of those who envisioned the "Vision" increased in achieving what seems difficult for those with limited imagination, lackluster ambition, and weak determination, as they remained trapped in the realm of skepticism about capabilities. Others fueled the engines of envy, warning against the Kingdom possessing the means of this vital energy, resurrecting the "conspiracy theory" from the graves of discord, and claiming various things to instill fear and intimidation against this important project.

However, the Kingdom kept its promise, as it has since the dawn of the "Vision," with words followed by actions, and a promise written in the ink of fulfillment according to a disciplined schedule, with everything calculated precisely and drawn with conscious planning, relying on "men" chosen by the leadership based on trust, capability, and determination to achieve.

Therefore, their words in forums carry weight, and their statements resonate with others. This was evident when the Minister of Energy spoke at the 68th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency in Vienna last year, where His Highness indicated that the Kingdom is moving forward with its national nuclear energy project in all its components, including the construction of the first nuclear power plant. He also mentioned that the Kingdom submitted a request to the International Atomic Energy Agency last July to suspend the small quantities protocol and transition to the full implementation of the safeguards agreement.

He renewed the promise in his speech at the "Future Investment Initiative" conference in Riyadh less than a year ago, confidently stating that we continually face questions about our success in leading the global energy sector and achieving these significant accomplishments. The simple answer is that we have ongoing work in various energy sectors in collaboration with major local and international companies, especially in the renewable energy sector, while providing the best prices for energy purchases to maintain the growth and competitiveness of the sector.

The evidence supporting the Kingdom's progress in this direction and planning for it is abundant, decisively refuting any attempt to view its current step through the lens of conspiracy theory and linking it to ongoing events in the region. This is something the Kingdom has pursued with the United States based on its need to diversify energy sources and respond to global changes in this market seeking alternatives to traditional energy, necessitating the Kingdom's presence at the forefront, just as it has remained at the forefront of the world in terms of traditional energy.

This is a clear and explicit direction, and a noble goal stated by Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman at the investment conference, saying, "We are trying in the energy sector to prove our competitive ability to provide energy to the world in a global scene that supports transformation, especially in the industrial sector."

From this perspective, and no other, the Kingdom's blessed step towards nuclear energy should be understood, also coupled with the American reassurance issued by its Department of Energy, emphasizing that the agreement (along with another accompanying agreement regarding safeguards) establishes the legal framework for a partnership extending for decades and valued in billions of dollars, supporting the Kingdom's energy needs and allowing American companies participating in the Saudi nuclear program to adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety and security and non-proliferation.

This is complemented by the statement from U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright, who said, "You can be assured that these two agreements adhere to the highest standards of nuclear safety and non-proliferation, relying on the best nuclear technologies and scientists in the world, which are technologies developed here in the United States. Thanks to President Trump, the United States is witnessing a nuclear renaissance that will yield long-term benefits for both the American and Saudi peoples."

We are in a new era, where the shadow of impossibility recedes, and the horizon of possibility expands to the fullest extent. Nothing can stop ambition, and no barriers can prevent the challenge of achievement.

The Kingdom will proceed with "nuclear" along the path of peaceful means, to benefit and be benefited, without threats that disturb neighbors, nor warnings that disrupt the peace of the world. It will be a real addition to the Kingdom's sovereignty in the energy market, and then we will all revisit the challenge raised by the Minister of Energy, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, in the face of China during the "Future Investment Initiative" conference: "We tell our Chinese friends regarding the transfer and distribution of energy that you need to develop your projects, or else Saudi Arabia will take the lead. We are working in various fields of energy without exception."

What a near bet the Kingdom will undoubtedly win; let the confident trust, and let the doubters grow more suspicious in the embrace of their own inadequacy.

May God protect this nation, its precious leadership, and all who live on its soil.