By NNN-Petra,
Amman : Prime Minister Nadir Dahabi said that Jordan, with its unique geographic location and historic role as a pillar of stability in the region, could serve as a model for developing nations for the peaceful use of nuclear energy, abiding by international rules and regulations.
Dahabi made his remarks in the opinion session of the second steering group meeting of the Global Nuclear Energy Partnership (GNEP), which is organized by US Department of Energy at the Dead Sea shores.
“Jordan, a long-standing member of the IAEA, a signatory of the Nuclear Non- Proliferation Treaty, and ratified as early as 1998 an Additional Protocol, will pursue the nuclear option in full compliance with relevant international treaties and legal obligations and conventions,” said the prime minister.
He added that the meeting must display the sincerity of joint partnership and the necessity to convey the importance of developing nuclear power for energy purposes and not to exploit scientific innovation for means other than those intended for civilian and peaceful purposes.
This cooperation must embolden the spirit of global partnership and highlight the significance civilian nuclear energy can impact on economies.
“All of us, whether developed or developing countries, face today similar global problems – increasing energy demand, soaring oil and gas prices, increasing insecurity of supplies, climate change, ensuring delivery of sustainable, cost-effective electricity, and sustaining economic development.
In addition, Jordan faces other challenges also; including the lack of conventional energy resources, and chronic scarcity of water, Dahabi affirmed.
The prime minister reiterated that several energy international agencies forecast that the global demand for electricity will double by the year 2030.
In the same time frame, this particular demand in developing nations will increase by almost 150 percent.
In Jordan, we forecast that electricity demands will more than triple by the year 2030.
“The high and uncertain cost of energy import is negatively affecting the development of the country across a broad array of vital sectors.
Hence, the development of secure alternative energy supplies is considered a national priority for my government and in accordance with His Majesty’s directives.
Thus, development of civilian nuclear power is a major priority in our national energy strategy, said the premier.
“We believe that GNEP offers an important partnership for the revival of the civilian nuclear option worldwide.
We consider nuclear energy a major solution to address both the increasing world energy demand and the global climate change in a safe and secure manner that will contribute towards both increasing energy security and further non-proliferation objectives, Dahabi noted.
Jordan’s participation in this initiative will provide the necessary momentum for the implementation of Jordan’s nuclear development program in a truly global context and for sharing the experiences of its Partners.
“I am sure that GNEP will offer us mutually acceptable ways to achieve our national nuclear strategies in a safe and secure manner,” added Dahabi.
As a potential uranium supplier, but above all as a country willing to develop nuclear energy for its own needs and deeply convinced of the benefits of nuclear energy for a larger number of countries, Jordan wishes to take an active part in this constructive cooperation.