Jordan leads Arab world in renewable energy production, says Kharabsheh

AMMAN — Jordan currently leads the Arab world in electricity generation from renewable sources, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh revealed at a discussion session on Monday, adding that the Kingdom is on track to generate 50 per cent of its energy requirements from renewable sources by 2030.

The discussion session was organised by the EDAMA Association for Energy, Water and Environment, in cooperation with the USAID-funded Energy Sector Support Programme, and featured the participation of representatives from Kawar Energy Company, Deloitte and other stakeholders, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The session addressed ongoing measures and future plans to propel the energy transition in Jordan.

The energy ministry’s goal is to achieve a secure and sustainable supply of energy through a clear-cut strategy set out for the years ahead, Kharabsheh said. Ultimately, the ministry endeavours to transform the Kingdom into a regional green energy hub, in line with the Economic Modernisation Vision, he added.

Jordan has started increasing the ratio of renewable energy in the country’s overall energy mix, and is in the process of developing the electrical grid, initiating energy storage projects and implementing smart grids, the minister said.

A memorandum of understanding between the ministry and the Danish A.P. Moller-Maersk Company was signed regarding the production of green fossil fuels in Aqaba, Kharabsheh announced.

CEO of Kawar Energy Company, Hanna Zaghloul, said that the energy transition is an opportunity for Jordan to attract investments, create jobs in the local ICT and energy management sectors and encourage Jordanian youth to innovate. Zaghloul also referred to the significance of greater integration between the telecommunications, ICT and energy sectors, which “opens up many opportunities”.

Deloitte's US Managing Director, Richard Longstaff, noted that Jordan has the qualifications and good governance necessary to become a regional hub for green energy. Longstaff also highlighted the significance of mobilising individual efforts to achieve the goals discussed at the UN Climate Conference COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh.

Chairman EDAMA’s Board of Directors Dureid Mahasneh noted that the session held an important focus on Jordan’s energy transition, and provided an opportunity for attendees to address any challenges to the process.