Jordan Inaugurates ‘Regional’ Nuclear Research Reactor

8 Dec (NucNet): Jordan has inaugurated a 5-MW open-pool research reactor provided by a South Korean consortium at the University of Science and Technology in the northern province of Irbid, state-run Petra news agency said on 7 December 2026. The Jordan Research and Training Reactor (JRTR) is part of the country’s efforts to develop civilian nuclear technology and will serve as a regional nuclear research centre, Petra said. In 2009, the Jordan Nuclear Regulatory Commission (JNRC) said a South Korean consortium led by Daewoo Engineering and Construction Company and the South Korean Atomic Energy Research Institute was the successful bidder for the project to build the reactor. In August 2013 the JNRC approved construction of the unit. According to the International Atomic Energy Agency the JRTR achieved first criticality in April 2016. Reports in South Korea said the JRTR cost $161m (€149m). The reports said Jordanian operators will run the research reactor, but the South Korean consortium will provide support for the “next few years.” Petra said an 80-strong Jordanian team will operate the JRTR, which will provide training to 100 students each year. The IAEA said the reactor is also expected to produce medical radioisotopes.