KES, U.S. officials discuss peaceful use of small nuclear reactors to meet future energy needs
In a move aimed at strengthening international collaboration in the field of sustainable energy, the Kuwait Society of Engineers hosted a coordination meeting yesterday with representatives from the U.S. Embassy, energy experts, and key national institutions to explore opportunities for establishing a peaceful nuclear power plant using small modular reactors (SMRs).
The meeting, chaired by Engineer Hamed Abel, a board member of the Society, brought together high-level participants including Justin B. Friedman, Senior Advisor for Nuclear Energy Trade Competitiveness at the U.S. Department of State; Brad Stilwell, Economic Advisor at the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait; and Shaima Ibrahim, Cultural Exchange Program Specialist. Representatives from the Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research (KISR), the Kuwait Foundation for the Advancement of Sciences (KFAS), and Abdullah Al-Salem University were also in attendance, reports Al-Rai daily.
Justin Friedman presented the U.S. administration’s initiatives to fast-track the global deployment of advanced peaceful nuclear reactor technologies.
He emphasized the potential of small modular reactors to play a pivotal role in supplying clean, reliable electricity and addressing Kuwait’s long-term energy demands.
Brad Stilwell echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of U.S.-Kuwait cooperation in this strategic area, particularly in light of both nations’ shared goals of advancing energy security and environmental sustainability.
Engineer Abel highlighted that this dialogue is part of a broader joint initiative between the Society and the U.S. Embassy, aimed at exchanging expertise on Kuwait’s future energy strategies. He stressed that peaceful nuclear energy presents a promising and viable option to diversify the country’s energy mix, support sustainable development, and respond to climate challenges.
He added that the Society of Engineers remains committed to facilitating discussions between local and international stakeholders to explore innovative, sustainable energy solutions. Such initiatives, he said, are essential to achieving Kuwait’s long-term vision in energy, environment, and economic resilience.
