Saudi Arabia is pressing ahead with its ambitious plans to develop nuclear power to meet rising electricity demand and save oil for export, and not local consumption for electricity generation.  Some estimates state the kingdom, the world’s largest oil exporter, will burn as much as 1.2 million barrels of oil daily on electricity production, almost double the 2010 total, to meet domestic and industrial demand.  This is crucial, as the Saudis are driving to build an industrial infrastructure to sustain the economy when the oil fields run down.

In 2010, the King Abdullah Center for Atomic and Renewable Energy, known as KA CARE, was established to oversee the gulf state’s nuclear program under its president, Hashim bin Abdullah Yamani, who was accorded ministerial powers.

In 2010 it took 3.4 million barrels of oil equivalent a day — known as boe/d — to power domestic electricity generation. This is expected to more than double by 2028 to 8.3 million boe/d.

The aim of the Saudis’ $100 billion nuclear program is to achieve an electricity output of 110 gigawatts by 2032.  Current Saudi electricity capacity is 52GW from 79 power stations.  At least 16 nuclear reactors, each costing around $7 billion, are planned, with the first producing by 2019.

The strategy is to adopt an energy mix approach. That means fossil fuels will still be needed, probably as the primary energy source, while wind, solar and nuclear power capabilities are developed. KA CARE is developing solar power projects that should produce 41GW within 20 years with geothermal and waste-to-energy systems providing 4GW.

For this purpose, KA CARE is leading the initiative to develop a comprehensive energy city, and will require professional and experienced skills in nuclear and renewable energy.  If you have the relevant skills and want to be part of this exciting opportunity that will take off in 2013, kindly send your CV to us at info@kingdomconnection.me

In Saudi Arabia you will work in a multi-cultural team often made up of seven or more nationalities. You will work closely with Saudi nationals, and will need to develop cultural sensitivity towards their customs and religious requirements. At times, the work environment may appear unstructured or non-sensible from your perspective. This is where self-restraint is a virtue, and where your comfort zones and skills expand. You will discover different ways of achieving goals. You will learn how to use humour and respect in motivating your team. You will learn to drink Arabic coffee, and eat rice and lamb with your hands. You will also be surprised to learn that most Saudi men has a bottle perfume on their desk, and string of beads in their pockets. Once you learn to appreciate these differences, and perhaps even embrace them, you will begin to experience satisfaction in your job.

“When the world economy moved into a recession four years ago, the economy of Saudi Arabia experienced unstoppable growth. This was mainly spurred by an increase in the price of oil. Unlike Dubai, construction projects in the Saudi Kingdom does not depend on tourism, but is fuelled by economic growth. Further to this, the Saudi government embarked on an ambitious goal of transforming the economy from petroleum dependent to a knowledge economy by 2025. This has ignited unprecedented construction of new research facilities, new universities, technology incubators, entrepreneurial ventures and multiple vocational training facilities. In one development in the capital of Riyadh, 70 new high-rise buildings are constructed within a five square kilometre area. New cities are being created to establish and accommodate new industries. This include mega projects in water desalination, financial services, the Jubail industrial city, nuclear industry establishment with 15 new nuclear power generation plants, and Jeddah Kingdom Tower which will be the world’s tallest tower when completed, stretching more than 1km into the air. The total investment between 2010 and 2015 exceeds $385 billion. The majority of the spending is allocated to education, health, municipal services, housing, culture and transport and communications.
If you want to gain experience in some of the world’s most ambitious projects, then Saudi Arabia is the place to offer such opportunity.”