Electricite de France SA (EDF.FR) would definitely seek to take part in a nuclear reactor project in Saudi Arabia , its chairman and chief executive Henri Proglio said Thursday.

EDF, the world's largest nuclear operator, estimates such a project would create around 6,000 jobs for its operator and 25,000 additional jobs for Saudi workers, Mr. Proglio said during a Franco-Saudi trade conference.

Saudi Arabia is considering alternative power sources to oil and gas to diversify its energy mix, a few years after the United Arab Emirates started a project for two nuclear reactors.

A French consortium, led initially by GDF Suez SA (GSZ.FR) and then by EDF, lost the UAE tender to South Korean nuclear group Kepco, shaking the French nuclear industry's confidence in its excellence and expertise.

Mr. Proglio insisted EDF would seek to take part in any potential Saudi nuclear project as "part of France 's team," notably with French engineering firm Areva SA (AREVA.FR).

EDF has already opened its training facilities to Saudi professionals, Mr. Proglio said.

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