King receives Jordan’s nuclear energy program committee

His Majesty King Abdullah II on Monday received a delegation comprising members of the International Advisory Committee for the Jordanian Nuclear Program for a discussion on the latest developments regarding the Kingdom’s peaceful nuclear drive.

His Majesty thanked the committee for its insight and recommendations for the development of the nation’s nuclear program and ensuring it rises to the highest international safety, security and transparency criteria.

King Abdullah said the production of nuclear energy is a highly-feasible project that would enhance the competitiveness of the national economy and provide electricity at a competitive cost. He emphasized that the project should be accomplished in partnership with the private sector and under international investment and financial support so as not to burden the treasury.

His Majesty also stressed the need to ensure the highest levels of safety and performance through upgrading regulatory bodies of the sector and building efficient capacities in this field.

The King underlined the importance of taking advantage of rapidly-evolving technological developments in the atomic energy domain to enable Jordan to build its program according to the latest international standards.

Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) Chairman Khaled Toukan delivered a briefing about progress made in the Kingdom’s nuclear program’s three projects, which include uranium exploration and mining, the research reactor at the Jordan University for Science and Technology and the nuclear power plant.

Toukan highlighted the importance of the scheme in diversifying energy sources in the Kingdom, which imports most of its energy needs, in addition to the regulatory and legislative environment governing nuclear energy projects in Jordan.

The committee, chaired by Sen. Ma’rouf al-Bakit, a former prime minister, comprises current and former international atomic energy officials.

Members of the committee spoke about advanced technological developments in the nuclear power domain and international safety and security standards. They said Jordan has qualified manpower and good infrastructure that enable it to become a regional hub for nuclear research and training

Source: Fana News