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Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Head of the International Advisory Group (IAG) tasked with reviewing Jordan’s progress in implementing its nuclear programme, Marouf Bakhit said that Jordan is pressing ahead with its nuclear energy program in a transparent manner and in line with international standards.

Bakhit made the remarks during a press conference during which he reviewed the IAG's first report on stages of Jordan's first nuclear reactor which is expected to start operating in 2024 to generate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity through 2 nuclear reactors.

The IAG he said, had affirmed that the Jordan Atomic Energy Agency ( JAEA), the Jordan Nuclear Power Company (JNPC) and the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC) have shortage in cadres and need experts with relevant skills.

Chairman of the Jordan Atomic Energy Agency Khaled Toukan said that Jordan will not sign the nuclear reactor project contract before financing agreement is completed, noting that 80-85 percent of the fund has been secured and that there are positive indicators to secure the remaining funds.

Chaired by former premier Marouf Bakhit, the IAG was formed in November 2015 to provide consultations on the strategy to deal with nuclear waste, and the best options and mechanisms to finance the nuclear power plant. It includes as members former energy minister Khaled Shraideh and seven world-renowned international experts in the industry.

In March 2015, Jordan signed an agreement with Russia worth $10 billion that sets the legal basis for building the kingdom's first nuclear power plant with a total capacity of 2,000 megawatt.