Jordan's Nuclear Program Seeks Participation from Japan and South Korea

---

Researched by Industrial Info Resources East Asia (Kofu-shi, Japan)--Jordan is beginning to seriously develop its first nuclear reactors, following in the footsteps of United Arab Emirates and Kuwait. Currently, there are 10 nuclear reactors under development in Western Asia, including Jordan's reactors, according to Industrial Info. None have entered into construction phases as of yet, with most representing firsts for some countries. Jordan's first nuclear reactor will simply be a research reactor; however, its first commercial reactor is due for completion before the end of the decade.

Jordan's research reactor, to be provided by South Korea, is scheduled to undergo construction during the fourth quarter of 2012. Research reactors provide means for studying nuclear power with little risk for trouble through testing of nuclear fuels and education, etc. These reactors are simpler in comparison to their commercial counterparts and operate at lower temperatures, while simulating the environment of a nuclear power station. Jordan placed an order with Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company Limited (SEO:047040) (Seoul) and Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute (KAERI) (Daejeon, Korea) last December, and expects that the reactor will be completed for study by the end of 2014.

The first commercial nuclear reactor project in Jordan is scheduled to commence shortly before the research reactor is due for completion. Jordan is currently seeking a technology provider and has high hopes for a consortium comprised of companies from Japan and France, namely Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited (TYO:7011) (MHI ) (Tokyo) and Areva SA (Euronext:CEI) (Paris).

The Mitsubishi-Areva consortium however, has been hindered by the Japanese parliament. During its previous session, which ended in August, Parliament decided not to vote on a nuclear pact between Jordan and Japan, thereby delaying the Mitsubishi-Areva consortium's ability to bid for the reactor project. Jordan is currently pushing for an affirmative vote in the Japanese parliament, so that Japan can participate in the project.

View Project Report - 300020097 300020120

Industrial Info Resources (IIR) is the leading provider of global market intelligence specializing in the industrial process, heavy manufacturing and energy markets. IIR's quality-assurance philosophy, the Living Forward Reporting Principle™, provides up-to-the-minute intelligence on what's happening now, while constantly keeping track of future opportunities.