Russia has been selected as the preferred bidder to supply Jordan with its first nuclear power plant. The initial reactor of the two-unit plant is expected to start operating in 2020. The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) said that Russian state nuclear corporation Rosatom will build the plant. Under Russia's offer, Rosatom's reactor export subsidiary AtomStroyExport (ASE) will be the supplier of the nuclear technology while Rusatom Overseas will be strategic partner and operator of the plant.
Russia will contribute 49% of the project's cost with the Jordanian government providing the remaining 51%. However, financing of the plant has yet to be finalized and it is possible that Russian could supply the plant on a build-own-operate basis.
The new plant will comprise two reactors and be built in Amra region. Jordan has previously said it intends to start building a 750-1000 MWe reactor in 2013 with a view to operation by 2020, followed by a second unit coming on line around 2025. In addition to providing electricity, the plant will also be used for desalinating water.
-tk-