Ammon News - Arab Conference Highlights Role of Nuclear Energy in Regional Development
The 16th Arab Conference on the Peaceful Uses of Atomic Energy commenced on Sunday, bringing together approximately 150 scientists and researchers from Arab countries to discuss nuclear energy's role in addressing regional challenges.

Organized by the Arab Atomic Energy Agency in cooperation with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, the event was inaugurated by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on behalf of Prime Minister Jafar Hassan.

The five-day conference features discussions on advanced nuclear reactor technologies, innovations in health and environmental management, and nuclear applications in water desalination, industry, and energy production.

International keynote speakers and Arab experts will share insights on the potential of nuclear energy to drive sustainable growth and meet the Middle East's increasing demand for clean energy.

Jordan Atomic Energy Commission Chairman Khaled Toukan highlighted the Kingdom's achievements in nuclear technology, including the operational Jordanian nuclear research and training reactor. This reactor not only supports training and research but also produces radioactive isotopes, such as iodine-131, used in thyroid cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Toukan also noted ongoing feasibility studies on small modular reactors (SMRs) and nuclear energy's potential for water desalination and pumping projects in Jordan.

He emphasized the importance of the uranium extraction project in central Jordan, with reserves estimated at 41,000 tons of yellowcake. The project is undergoing detailed feasibility and engineering studies to establish a commercial uranium plant.

Additionally, he highlighted the SESAME synchrotron facility’s contributions to scientific research, with a sixth beamline expected to be operational by mid-2025.

Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, underscored the need for a 70% increase in electricity capacity in the Middle East and North Africa by 2050 to meet growing demand.

He described nuclear energy as a sustainable and economical solution, reaffirming the inalienable right of nations to peaceful nuclear energy under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

Director General of the Arab Atomic Energy Agency, Salem Hamdi, commended Jordan’s strategic and well-implemented nuclear program, calling it a model for the Arab region.

He revealed plans to propose an Arab research initiative on nuclear fusion energy, which will be presented at the next Arab Summit after expert committees finalize its objectives and methodologies.