Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister of Defense, launched on Monday a project to build the first nuclear research reactor in the Kingdom, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
He launched seven strategic projects in the fields of renewable energy, atomic energy, water desalination, genetic medicine and the aircraft industry during a visit to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).
The two most significant projects launched include a nuclear research reactor and a center for the development of aircraft structures.
He was received at KACST by Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih and head of the facility Prince Turki bin Saud bin Mohammed.
During the visit, the Crown Prince also inaugurated the Saudi Central Laboratory for Human Genome, which documents a map for genetics of the Saudi society in order to discover genetic mutations that may cause hereditary diseases.
He also inaugurated the solar energy-powered desalination station in Khafji. The plant boasts a capacity of 60,000 cubic meter per day, two production lines for solar panels and cells, and a laboratory to check efficiency of solar panels.
Prince Mohammed also launched incubators and accelerators located in each of Dammam, Qassim, Madinah and Abha as part of the Bader program, which currently heads the Arab Network for ICT Incubators and UN technological cities in the Arab world.
Upon his arrival at KACST, he was shown a presentation that explains the strategies and goals of the City that aims at investing in science.
Following the presentation, he inspected the latest developments in aviation and radar projects planned by the National Center for Aviation Technology.
He was briefed on satellite projects, including Saudi Sat 5A and Saudi Sat 5B, the second generation of the most accurate remote sensing satellites in Saudi Arabia.
