FAQ

What is radiation?

Radiation is energy in motion, and there are several types of radiation. When radiation has enough energy to penetrate or interact with materials, it is called ionizing radiation, which can be easily detected and measured. Ionizing radiation has various uses and benefits, ranging from providing environmentally friendly energy to treating diseases.

Most people associate radiation with industrial applications such as X-rays. However, what many don't know is that the majority of the radiation we receive comes from natural sources around us. We are exposed to safe and low levels of radiation daily from several sources, such as:

Cosmic rays emitted by the sun.
Naturally occurring radioactive minerals in the soil and Earth's crust.

Even potassium found in our food can expose us to radiation.

Are nuclear power plants safe?

Yes, the performance records of hundreds of nuclear power plants in over 30 countries have proven that nuclear energy is safe. There is a global organization responsible for monitoring data related to plant performance, including safety system performance, fuel reliability, and industrial accident rates. This organization is the World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO).

What is the benefit of the project on higher education in Jordan?

The Jordan research and training reactor (JRTR) is used to train and teach students of the Nuclear Engineering Department at the Jordan University of Science and Technology. Additionally, master's students from other Jordanian universities in fields such as nuclear physics, radiochemistry, biology, archaeology, and mining can use the reactor for conducting advanced scientific research. This research will contribute to a qualitative development in Jordanian scientific research and experimentation, including advancements in radiopharmaceutical sciences and nuclear medicine applications. The research reactor and its associated scientific facilities are also a reason for introducing various applied scientific and technical disciplines that add value to the local economy and community.

In general, the presence of research or energy-producing nuclear reactors in a country often creates a demand for new scientific, technical, administrative, financial, and legal disciplines. These fields grow and thrive with the development of nuclear and radiation technologies, leading to a genuine and significant scientific and technical renaissance for the country. These sciences benefit many aspects of daily life beyond just nuclear energy.

How does a nuclear power plant produce electricity?

A nuclear reactor generates electricity in a way very similar to other power plants. First, energy is used to produce heat, which turns water into steam. The steam then drives a generator to produce electricity. The key difference lies in the source of heat used at the beginning of the process. While some power plants burn coal, oil, or natural gas to generate heat, a nuclear power plant generates heat from the splitting of atoms — a process called nuclear fission.

In the nuclear reactor, trillions of atoms split every second in a carefully controlled process. These chain reactions heat water, which in turn produces steam. The steam flows through pipes to a turbine, spinning its fan-like blades. The turbine is connected to a shaft that converts the steam's energy into mechanical energy. This shaft is linked to an electrical generator, where the rotating shaft spins a set of electromagnets inside the generator. Finally, this magnetic movement generates an electric current, which powers homes and other electrical needs.

What services has the Jordan research and training reactor provided?

The Jordanian research reactor has offered several key services and benefits:

Job creation: The reactor has provided job opportunities for engineers, technicians, administrators, and financial staff, particularly for people from the surrounding area. The operation of the research reactor required over 150 technical, financial, and administrative positions, most of which were filled by local residents.
Production of radioactive isotopes: The reactor produces radioactive isotopes, especially those used in nuclear medicine by nuclear medicine centers in Jordan. This will reduce the need for imports and allow for the production of short-lived medical isotopes that cannot be imported due to their short half-life. Additionally, the reactor produces other isotopes that can be used in research and various industrial fields, contributing to the development of these industries, improving quality control, and facilitating neutron activation analysis, which will aid in the advancement of mining, archaeology, and materials science.
Education and training: The reactor is used to educate and train students from the Nuclear Engineering Department at Jordan University of Science and Technology. This has led to qualitative improvements and scientific development among nuclear engineering graduates.
Boosting international research and education: The establishment of the research reactor near the university has placed the area and Jordan University of Science and Technology on the global map. The site attracts numerous researchers and students from outside the country annually, contributing to the development of research and educational activities in the region.

What is a Synchrotron, and What are its uses?

The Synchrotron-Light for Experimental Science and Applications in the Middle East (SESAME) is the first world-class research center of excellence in the Middle East, modeled after CERN in Europe. It is an intergovernmental organization involving member states from the region, supported by UNESCO, and hosted by Jordan in the town of Allan, Balqa Governorate.

The SESAME accelerator produces synchrotron light, which is used for scientific research, education, and training. It provides beams of light such as X-rays, ultraviolet, and infrared rays, enabling researchers to conduct scientific studies in many fields of applied research, including biology, chemistry, physics, environmental science, archaeology, geology, agriculture, pharmacy, and medicine.

The synchrotron's capabilities allow scientists to explore the structure of materials at the atomic and molecular levels, making it a powerful tool for advancing knowledge in numerous disciplines.

Why was nuclear energy chosen over other sources for electricity generation?

Nuclear energy emerged as the most suitable option for providing the required base load of electricity after evaluating a wide range of energy options. It stands out for its minimal carbon emissions—almost none—making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, nuclear energy is a proven, commercially viable technology and is expected to drive social and economic growth in Jordan for years to come.

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