AMMAN - Jordan and Canada on Saturday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in the field of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes as the first step to wrap up an agreement by the end of this year.
Jordan Nuclear Energy Commission (JNEC) President Khalid Touqan said that the MoU, signed with Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) and SNC-Lavalin International, leads to bilateral nuclear-related technology cooperation between the two countries, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, said.
Touqan added that Jordan's envisaged first nuclear reactor will depend on natural uranium fuel, noting that the Kingdom will enjoy independence in energy production due to its huge reserves of natural crude uranium.
According to the MoU, the Canadian side will assist in carrying out engineering and economic studies aimed at demonstrating the technical and economic feasibility of a CANDU nuclear power programme and assessing infrastructure development requirements and site selection process.
Touqan expected that the first nuclear plant will start generating electricity in 2016, adding that negotiations are under way with three international companies in the field of nuclear energy.
AECL President Ken Petruni underscored the significance of the MoU for Jordan as it pursues a nuclear technology programme that would help it become more energy self-sufficient.
A Canadian delegation visited the Kingdom last month and met with Touqan, who announced that Jordan and Canada would sign an agreement by the end of this summer to set the framework for nuclear cooperation.
Also on Saturday, Nuclear Regulatory Commission Chairman Jamal Sharaf met with Petruni and SNC-Lavalin International President Ronald Denom. Sharaf requested training assistance for local cadres working in the field of nuclear safety and security.
The Kingdom has been conducting talks with several countries on cooperation in nuclear energy and the transfer of nuclear technology to Jordan.
Chairman of the UK Atomic Energy Authority Lady Barbara Judge arrived in Amman on Saturday to sign a nuclear cooperation memo with Touqan, which will be the latest in a series of agreements the Kingdom has signed with foreign countries as part of a strategy to reduce dependence on oil.
© Jordan Times 2008
