Economic risks of Jordan's nuclear program
Abstract Jordan has recently embarked on establishing a nuclear program in the hope that it would resolve its energy security problems, meet its increasing demand of electricity and promote economic growth through localization. This paper examines the economic risks and challenges associated with Jordan's nuclear program. It is based on a comparative cost analysis and interviews conducted with current and former Jordanian policy makers. Economically, nuclear power represents a high-risk option for Jordan as it involves three potentially costly scenarios of varying impact: project cancellation, unplanned outages and the declining costs of renewable technologies, particularly solar power. The paper also highlights other challenges facing Jordan in its pursuit of nuclear power such as opaque decision-making process and the need for an independent and competent nuclear regulatory body.
Wishful thinking and real problems: Small modular reactors, planning constraints, and nuclear power in Jordan
Abstract Jordan plans to import two conventional gigawatt scale nuclear reactors from Russia that are expensive and too large for Jordan's current electricity grid. Jordan efforts to establish nuclear power might become easier in some ways if the country were to construct Small Modular Reactors, which might be better suited to Jordan's financial capabilities and its smaller electrical grid capacity. But, the SMR option raises new problems, including locating sites for multiple reactors, finding water to cool these reactors, and the higher cost of electricity generation. Jordan's decision has important implications for its energy planning as well as for the market for SMRs.
Summer Again – The Swing in Oil Demand in Saudi Arabia
Summer Again – The Swing in Oil Demand in Saudi Arabia / bassam Fattouh. OIES, July 2013, 8 p. (Oxford energy comments) http://www.oxfordenergy.org/wpcms/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Summer-Again-The-Swing-in-Oil-Demand-in-Saudi-Arabia.pdf Presentation (© OIES) : It’s that time of year again when Saudi Arabia’s domestic oil and gas consumption is in the limelight. Saudi Arabia faces sharp upward swings in oil demand during the summer, raising some market concerns about its export potential duri...