September 30, 2008

Hawari to advise Jordan Atomic Energy Commission

Dr. Hawari (Photo: Roger Winstead)

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Dr. Ayman Hawari in the Department of Nuclear Engineering at NC State University was recently appointed to serve as Commissioner for Nuclear Reactors with the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC).

Jordan currently imports most of its energy from other countries, and nearly all of it is generated by fossil fuels. The country wants to build and activate its first nuclear power plant within the next decade.

In an interview, Dr. Hawari stressed the importance of nuclear power as well as the goals of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission.

Jordan intends to build its first plant during the next decade. Why is this important to the people of Jordan?

Currently the objective is to try to have an operating nuclear power plant in Jordan by the period 2016-2017. This is a major undertaking considering that it's sometimes estimated that a developing country would need at least 15 years to achieve such an objective. Currently Jordan imports 95 percent of its electricity and suffers from severe water shortages. It's anticipated that this capability will help Jordan alleviate both needs. A nuclear reactor would generate electricity and any excess energy may be used for water desalination. It is hoped that this would help remove these major pressures on the Jordanian economy. This would have a major impact on improving the standard of living of the Jordanian people.

What are some of the main goals of the JAEC and what does your participation in the commission mean?

The JAEC will coordinate all aspects of establishing a peaceful nuclear energy program in Jordan. This includes synchronizing the national effort to support this program, concluding collaborative agreements with the relevant international parties (e.g., the International Atomic Energy Agency) and countries, examining the available technological options, working with vendors/contractors to assure proper implementation of the project, setting up a training regime for nuclear professionals in Jordan, and working with the proper regulatory authorities to assure safe and secure implementation of the nuclear energy option.

My participation is in support of the above goals. I will lend my experience both as a nuclear engineer and an educator to help in the massive build-up effort that has been initiated. I will be advising during the various stages of establishing the nuclear power plant. In addition, I will be providing insight on how to set up and utilize a nuclear research reactor on a university campus. After all, this is something that we have done quite successfully at NC State.

What does getting this post mean to you?

Clearly I am honored to be called upon to provide whatever help I can give in order to assure that Jordan proceeds in the path of peaceful utilization of nuclear energy. Also, I hope that this will further the involvement of NC State in the rapid development of the energy sector around the world. Nuclear power is a major component in the world's energy portfolio and is expected to grow further in the next 50 years.

What else should people know about your appointment?

The involvement in this effort in Jordan presents a unique opportunity to observe and participate in the birth of a new nuclear power program. This is an interesting process at all levels technical and otherwise. I am glad to be a part of it, and I hope to relate my experience to the new generation of nuclear engineers that we are educating at NC State.

-udyavar-

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