The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) is one of the government institutions that took on the task of exploring and developing nuclear energy applications for peaceful purposes in the kingdom. Since its establishment, the commission’s name has been linked with Dr. Khaled Toukan, who spent decades leading it, contributing to shaping the path of the Jordanian nuclear program. However, the course that this program has taken, especially concerning the efforts to produce domestic nuclear fuel, known as Yellowcake, and the establishment of peaceful nuclear power stations, has raised questions about the effectiveness of the substantial financial and time investments allocated to it.
The primary purpose of establishing the JAEC was to harness nuclear technology to meet the increasing energy needs for electricity, as well as its applications in other vital fields like medical diagnostics and radiation therapy, agriculture, and industry. Given the challenges Jordan faces in securing its energy sources, the nuclear program appeared as a promising option for diversifying the energy mix and reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels. Dr. Khaled Toukan's vision during his tenure as the head of the commission focused on establishing a comprehensive nuclear infrastructure, including national workforce training, developing research capabilities, and possibly reaching a stage of producing local nuclear fuel—a technically and economically significant challenge.
The concept of Yellowcake refers to processed raw uranium, which is the first stage in the nuclear fuel production chain. Yellowcake production represents an important step towards achieving independence in providing fuel for nuclear reactors. Under Dr. Toukan’s leadership, the JAEC sought to explore the possibilities of extracting uranium from local ores and developing the necessary capabilities for its processing. Jordan possesses uranium reserves, and studies on the commercial feasibility of its extraction have been conducted. However, the process of transitioning from the study and exploration phase to the actual production of Yellowcake has faced significant challenges, whether technical, economic, or regulatory, costing Khaled Toukan millions from the treasury and preventing any tangible results felt by the Jordanian people in their daily lives.
The decades spent by Dr. Khaled Toukan in leading the commission, a relatively long period in the lifespan of advanced technical programs, necessitated securing Jordan with nuclear treatment for cancer patients, which is the least that could be accomplished compared to the long period spent by Khaled Toukan with little accountability or oversight. During this period, some significant achievements were made, such as establishing a nuclear research center, training a number of Jordanian scientists and engineers abroad, and establishing specialized laboratories. Agreements were also signed for cooperation with leading countries in the nuclear field, aimed at transferring expertise and knowledge. Nevertheless, the ambitious project to build a nuclear power reactor for electricity generation, which was the program's focus, has not yet materialized.
The challenges faced in establishing a nuclear power station in Jordan are multifaceted. Technically, constructing a nuclear reactor requires high engineering expertise, strict safety systems, and complex infrastructure. Economically, the cost of building and operating a nuclear station is a massive investment requiring significant funding, either from government sources or foreign investments. Additionally, challenges related to international regulatory approvals, management of radioactive waste, and securing the safety and security of nuclear facilities, have contributed to prolonging the project and delaying its realization.
Some reports and analyses indicate that the funds spent on projects of the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, particularly those linked to the nuclear program, might be substantial, especially when accounting for the costs of studies, training, research, and efforts to attract investments. The question is the effectiveness of these investments and whether they have resulted in tangible and economically and environmentally viable outcomes. While training and human capacity building are considered long-term valuable investments, the lack of a clear vision for establishing a nuclear reactor or producing local nuclear fuel raises questions about the wastage of these financial resources.
It is worth mentioning that the issue of the viability of nuclear energy in Jordan, especially the local fuel production, requires accurate and continuous evaluation. While Jordan possesses uranium resources, extracting and processing it may not be economically viable compared to purchasing it from international markets, especially given the high costs of establishing a comprehensive infrastructure for Yellowcake production. Also, building a nuclear reactor requires a thorough study of operational costs, the costs of disposing of spent fuel, and the competitiveness of nuclear energy with other rapidly evolving and progressively cheaper renewable energy sources.
The achievements in the field of peaceful applications of nuclear energy, such as nuclear medicine, may be more apparent and measurable. Nuclear technologies have contributed to developing the capacities for diagnosis and treatment in Jordanian hospitals, serving a broad segment of patients. However, the greater focus in public and media discussions often revolves around electricity generation and nuclear fuel production.
It can be said that under the leadership of Dr. Khaled Toukan, the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission faced tremendous challenges in achieving the aspirations of the Jordanian nuclear program. While progress has been made in building human and research infrastructure, achieving more complex goals such as producing Yellowcake and establishing a nuclear power reactor has remained elusive. Assessing the effectiveness of financial and time investments requires comparing the set goals with the achievements, taking into account external factors that may affect the progress of major projects. With the continued need for clean and sustainable energy sources, the issue of nuclear energy in Jordan remains a topic that requires further research and transparent evaluation, to determine the optimal path that serves the national and economic interest of the kingdom, while ensuring the highest standards of safety and security.
