Jordan and Japan have signed an agreement that will enhance and develop cooperation between both countries in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy. The agreement, signed 10 September, could pave the way for the development of an ATMEA1 (Areva/MHI) nuclear power plant in Jordan. ATMEA1 is among three reactor designs being considered for Jordan's first nuclear power plant. (The other reactors are Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd’s Enhanced CANDU 6 (EC6), and the AES-92 VVER-1000 reactor from Russia’s Atomstroyexport)
The agreement stipulates various areas of bilateral cooperation including exploration and exploitation of uranium resources, design, construction and operation of reactors, safety and security, radioactive waste processing and disposal, radiation protection and environmental monitoring, and studies on and application of radioisotopes and radiation.
Jordan Atomic Energy Commission chairman Dr. Khaled Toukan said: “[Jordan’s] key goal is to seek highly safe nuclear reactors and fuel cycles based on Generation III nuclear power plants, but with proven technology in compliance with the highest international standards of safety and security.”
Japan becomes the 9th country to enter into a nuclear cooperation agreement with Jordan, after: France, China, Korea, Canada, Russia, UK, Argentina, and Spain.
Also in September, Japan signed a further two nuclear cooperation agreements with Malaysia and Kuwait.
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