WorleyParsons signs nuclear deal in Jordan

Jordan's first nuclear site will be positioned just outside the seaside port city of Aqaba.

Australian firm WorleyParsons has won a US$11.3 million deal from the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) to cover pre-construction preparations for the Levantine country’s first nuclear ractor.

As part of the contract, WorleyParsons will spend two years conducting an economic feasibility study and technology selection at the Aqaba site, in association with Belgian firm Tractebel.

The Jordan Times reported that JAEC has narrowed its choice to five Generation III reactor types: a water-conscious reactor from French firm AREVA, the Canadian Enhanced Candu 6, the South Korean Kepco’s APR 1400 and two Russian Rosatom reactors, each with the potential of generating between 1,000-1,200 megawatts.

“This contract is not just a document, but a milestone of historical importance to Jordan,” the paper quoted WorleyParsons senior vice president Djurica Tankosich as saying.

Jordan will establish three uranium mines in the coming years to provide feedstock for the plant, and hopes to sign a full deal with a final strategic partner by late 2012.

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