JAEC, KHNP of South Korea ink MoU for feasibility study to build small modular reactor

AMMAN — The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) and the Korean Hydro and Nuclear Power Company (KHNP) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding to conduct a comprehensive technical and economic feasibility study for an Innovative Small Modular Reactor.

Designed by the Korean giant, the reactor boasts a 170-megawatt capacity per unit, employing pressurised water reactor technology, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

During the signing ceremony, JAEC Khaled Toukan emphasised that Jordan is moving ahead with plans to harness nuclear energy for peaceful purposes, citing global momentum regarding nuclear energy’s pivotal role in reducing carbon emissions.

CEO of the KHNP, Whang Joo-ho highlighted the role of the memorandum in advancing cooperation towards a strategic partnership, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Khaled Khasawneh, Commissioner for Nuclear Reactors at JAEC, stressed that the agreement supports the commission's exploration of the incorporation of small modular reactors in the national energy mix post-2030.

Khasawneh also said that a feasibility study has been conducted to integrate small modular reactors into the National Carrier Project. 

KHNP, which operates 25 nuclear power plants in South Korea, holds the third rank globally in terms of nuclear power generation capacity.