Amman: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Mission sees significant progress in Jordan’s regulatory safety framework but said that challenges ahead.
As per statement issue d, an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) team of experts said Jordan significantly strengthened its regulatory framework for nuclear and radiation safety in recent years.
The Integrated Regulatory Review Service (IRRS) team concluded an eight-day follow-up mission in Jordan to review its implementation of recommendations and suggestions made by a 2014 mission.
The 15-22 October visit was conducted at the request of the Government and hosted by the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), the national nuclear regulator.
Using IAEA safety standards and international best practices, IRRS missions are designed to strengthen the effectiveness of the national nuclear regulatory infrastructure, while recognizing the responsibility of each country to ensure nuclear safety.
The IRRS team said Jordan had effectively addressed the findings of the previous mission and made notable progress in enhancing its regulatory framework. The EMRC either fully implemented all the recommendations and suggestions from 2014 or made considerable progress towards that goal, the experts said.
Jordan uses radiation sources in medical and industrial applications as well as in science and research. Its first research and training reactor is expected to start operating soon. Relying on imported fossil fuel for its energy needs, Jordan is among some 30 countries interested in introducing nuclear energy. It plans to build a nuclear power plant at the Amra site, about 70 km east of the capital Amman.
The IRRS team said Jordan had taken several positive steps since the previous mission, including approval of a national policy and strategy for safety as well as a national policy for radioactive waste and spent nuclear fuel management.
“Since 2014, the EMRC has made great efforts to meet IAEA safety standards and to improve the national safety infrastructure,” said EMRC Chairman H.E. Farouq Al-Hyari. “These efforts for further enhancement will continue.”
The EMRC is responsible for all aspects of regulating radiation safety as well as nuclear safety and security in Jordan.
The 11-member IRRS team comprised experts from Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Ireland, Lebanon, Pakistan, and Slovenia, as well as three IAEA staff members.
The final mission report will be provided to the Government in about three months. Jordan plans to make it public.
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