Jordan questions its nuclear power commitment

According to the following report, some in Jordan are questioning whether the kingdom should proceed with its plans for nuclear power plants. As the article notes, how are they going to have enough water for cooling? I would like to know what their concept is on that score.

Since I just wrote about solar power installations in parking lots (preferably sunny parking lots), Jordan would seem to be somewhat of a natural for a big solar power commitment.

Still, I think it's premature to question nuclear power for a country that needs a lot of it. Jordan doesn't have a lot of oil but it does have a lot of uranium. So nuclear makes sense here, despite the cooling question.


Jordan urged to drop nuke plans after Japan nuclear crisis

"The biggest challenge for Jordan is the cooling systems. How can a water-poor country like the kingdom build a nuclear plant?" [environment ministry advisor] Dabbas said.

With desert covering 92 percent of its territory, Jordan, one of the world's 10 driest countries, is battling to face chronic water shortages and meet needs for its increasing population of 6.3 million.

"Our entire region is exposed to earthquakes. We are a small country and any nuclear leak will remain in Jordan for 5,000 years," Dabbas said.

"There are alternative solutions, like building solar and wind power systems, which can produce thousands of megawatts. Also, we can always ration our energy consumption."