Atomic energy agency, US firm mull building small reactor

(MENAFN- Jordan Times) AMMAN — The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) and the US X-Energy signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to evaluate X-Energy's advanced nuclear reactor the Xe-100 and its possibility for implementing it in Jordan, according to a statement by JAEC.

JAEC Chairman Khaled Toukan said in a press statement on Saturday that this type of reactor is important to Jordan because of the multiple uses it offers such as generating electricity, desalination, as well as other industrial applications. He added that this type of advanced reactors represent a link between the third and fourth generation reactors, stressing the importance of the memorandum of understanding as part of Jordan's efforts to search for options within its peaceful nuclear programme.

Vice Chairman of the JAEC Kamal Araj said the MoU follows studies conducted by the commission on a group of small reactors to choose the most technically appropriate for Jordan. He said the reactor in question requires a small amount of water to be cooled, relying on gas for the cooling process.

X- Energy's CEO Kam Ghaffarian praised Jordan's interest in this type of advanced reactors that generate electricity, desalinate water and has other thermal applications. He pointed out that these reactors will benefit Jordan and the countries that seek to generate energy from clean sources. He added that the MoU is a demonstration of X-Energy's commitment to providing clean energy solutions to countries like Jordan.

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