Commission launches general policy on nuclear safety

AMMAN — The Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) on Sunday announced Jordan’s general policy in the field of nuclear safety and radiation protection, which is a cornerstone for the implementation of the country’s peaceful nuclear programme.

The policy seeks to ensure the highest levels of nuclear security and ensure the Kingdom’s continued ability to regulate and monitor its atomic energy programme, EMRC Chief Commissioner Farouq Hiari told reporters.

“The adoption and announcement of this policy follows a recommendation by the International Atomic Energy Commission that conducted a mission in the middle of this year to Jordan. They made about 64 recommendations and the adoption and announcement of this policy is one of these recommendations,” Hiari said.

“This policy will be the main reference for any upcoming plans and programmes in the field of nuclear and radiation safety and protection,” the official said, adding that the policy was adopted by the Cabinet.

The policy, he said, will be published on the commission’s website (http://emrc.gov.jo/index.php?&lang=en) and several outlets for review and feedback.

The general policy covers 12 areas that include national laws that govern nuclear safety, transparency, civil responsibility, community awareness, and management of used fuel and radioactive waste.

In October 2013, Jordan contracted Russia’s Rosatom to build the Kingdom’s first two nuclear reactors that are expected to be operational by 2022.

Under the deal, Rosatom has agreed to take on 49 per cent of the plants’ $10 billion construction and operation costs on a build-own-operate basis, with the government shouldering the remaining 51 per cent and retaining a majority share.