From Jordan Times: Search for nuclear reactor site expands

AMMAN — Energy officials have expanded their search for a reactor site in Mafraq amidst ongoing resistance from residents of the northern city.

The search for a potential site for the country’s first nuclear reactor in Mafraq has expanded by a 40 kilometre radius in line with a Cabinet decision, according to the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC).

Officials are searching for a site near the Khirbet Samra Wastewater Treatment Plant, which, according to current plans, is to serve as the main water source to cool the 1,000 megawatt reactor.

“We are expanding our search for a preferred site near Khirbet Samra in line with International Atomic Energy Agency guidelines,” JAEC Chairman Khaled Toukan told The Jordan Times.

According to a source close to the proceedings, the government directed the JAEC to find an alternative to the initially selected site, Balaama, near Mafraq, after coming under political pressure from tribal leaders and prominent local residents.

The announcement of the transferral of the planned site for the Kingdom’s first nuclear reactor from Aqaba to Mafraq in late 2010 prompted a backlash from local residents, who held a series of protests and rallies over the past year urging decision makers to go back on their decision.

For more, please see this: http://jordantimes.com/search-for-nuclear-reactor-site-expands