A new study, conducted by the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) in coordination with, and supported by, the United States Department of Energy (USDOE), examines the details of the dual track approach to radioactive waste management, reviewing international experience and activities and assessing the benefits and challenges involved. The team of authors collaborating on the two-volume report (which can be downloaded here) included Leon Kegal, who represents the Slovenian ARAO in ERDO, and Neil Chapman and Charles McCombie from the ERDO Secretariat. The following extract from the report’s abstract summarizes the contents.

Jordan is assessing options for the introduction of a nuclear power program. All nuclear power plants generate radioactive wastes that will eventually require deep geological disposal, although this would not be necessary in Jordan for at least fifty years. Nevertheless, the international best practice for new nuclear nations being followed by Jordan, along with prudent national planning, mean that options should be considered today for how to handle the eventual disposal needs.

it is not necessary for every country to have its own deep geological repository (DGR) and there are considerable technical, economic and political benefits to be gained from participating in a multinational repository (MNR), especially if implemented on a regional basis. Consequently, Jordan is considering this option in parallel with developing its own national DGR program. This ‘dual track approach’ has the twin advantages that it develops Jordan’s own expertise in geological disposal, allowing more effective participation in any MNR project, as well as addressing the contingency that no MNR solution becomes available.

The dual track approach does not require a decision on which track to follow for many years, but it does require an early commitment to active measures to explore the two options. However, none of the activities involved in a dual track approach requires significant additional resources beyond those that will, in any case, be necessary to develop a national nuclear power and radioactive waste management program.

The study concludes that there are significant benefits for Jordan to become proactive in adopting the dual track approach in its national policy. This could open the door for exploring MNR solutions, in particular with regional partners. It also suggests a range of specific activities to develop and enhance Jordan’s involvement and capabilities in exploring DGR/MNR solutions.

Jordan Dual Track Study vol 1.

Jordan Dual Track Study vol 2.