Saudi Arabia has announced plans to build two full nuclear power reactors for energy and as many as 16 over the next 25 years, said a report.

Work has already begun on the first reactor which is expected to be completed by the end of 2019, , reported the Saudi Press Agency.

These projects were among seven cutting-edge ventures in the fields of renewable energy, atomic energy, water desalination, genetic medicine and aircraft design that were inaugurated by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday, it stated.

These projects were discussed during the Crown Prince's visit to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

The design of the reactor has been developed by KACST scientists with the help of international experts. It will follow all the safety standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency, said the report.

During his tour of the KACST headquarters, Crown Prince Mohammed also reviewed the ongoing solar-powered water desalination projects in Al Khafji and Yanbu area of the kingdom, stated the SPA report.

The plant in Al Khafji will boast a capacity of 60,000 cu m per day, while the Yanbu plant will have a capacity of 5,200 cu m per day, it added.