The Nuclear Engineering Department at the Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST), in collaboration with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC), organized a lecture on nuclear power reactors and their positive impact in addressing the challenges facing the energy and water sectors in Jordan. The lecture was delivered by Dr. Khaled Al-Khasawneh, Commissioner of Nuclear Power Reactors at JAEC and an alumnus of the Nuclear Engineering Department at JUST.
The lecture included an overview of Jordan's nuclear program, represented by the Jordan Research and Training Reactor and the Uranium Exploration and Mining Project. It also discussed the Commission's aspirations to utilize small modular reactors (SMRs) and integrate nuclear energy into the national energy mix. Dr. Al-Khasawneh emphasized that nuclear energy is one of the best low-carbon energy sources globally and can be used in various fields. He noted that technical assessments and economic feasibility studies are currently underway for several SMR designs, alongside detailed feasibility studies for using nuclear energy in water desalination and pumping projects in Jordan.
Dr. Al-Khasawneh also highlighted ongoing studies by JAEC to integrate SMRs with the National Water Carrier Project. He pointed out the advantages of this type of reactor, particularly its low cooling water requirements compared to traditional large nuclear power reactors, providing broader options for reactor site selection away from water sources.
At the end of the lecture, attended by several faculty members and students from the department, a comprehensive discussion took place, during which audience questions and inquiries were addressed.
