S. Korea to provide reactor to Jordan

SEOUL, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- South Korean atomic energy research institute and Daewoo Engineering have won an open bid to build Jordan's first research reactor, officials said Friday.

The award will help open markets in the region for Korean firms, Yonhap news agency reported.

The $173 million deal calls for a 5 megawatt reactor for the Jordan University for Sciences and Technology by 2014, the report said.

The Jordan Atomic Energy Commission chose the Korean consortium over rival bids from Argentina, China and Russia, the report said.

Education and Science Minister Ahn Byong-man said Jordan's decision was in recognition of South Korea's extensive experience, high safety standards and technological prowess in atomic energy.

The Yonhap report said a research reactor is used for scientific and engineering studies and also for isotope production for medical and industrial purposes.

Officials said the deal marks the first time South Korea has won the right to sell its nuclear reactors overseas.