Jordan moves forward with green hydrogen strategy, eyes int'l clean energy role

AMMAN — Jordan is making significant strides in developing its green hydrogen sector, positioning itself as a global leader in clean energy, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh said on Wednesday. 

During the fourth roundtable discussion, Kharabsheh stressed Jordan’s commitment to advancing green hydrogen production, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

The event presented the final results of a comprehensive study on a shared infrastructure business model for green hydrogen projects, conducted in partnership with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and other key stakeholders.

"Jordan is moving closer to becoming a global hub for green energy, with a strong focus on ensuring that green hydrogen production is internationally competitive," Kharabsheh said. 

He emphasised ongoing government efforts to enhance competitiveness and reduce the cost of green ammonia production. Kharabsheh also noted that incentives for investors are being developed to streamline processes and create mutually beneficial opportunities, adding that a comprehensive regulatory framework is being developed to attract and facilitate green hydrogen investments.

Minister of Investment Muthanna Gharaibeh underscored the importance of local manufacturing in the Kingdom’s investment strategy. 

He also announced plans to establish an integrated economic zone to support renewable energy-related manufacturing chains, providing a significant boost to green hydrogen initiatives.

Ministry of Energy Secretary-General Amani Azzam highlighted Jordan’s regulatory progress in facilitating green hydrogen development. 

She pointed to updates in the Electricity Law that now include energy storage, along with the construction of new transmission lines to connect renewable energy directly to the hydrogen sector, bypassing grid constraints. 

She also emphasised the significance of Jordan’s first gas law, which includes provisions for green hydrogen and has been approved by the Cabinet, pending final parliamentary approval. The law will enable the construction of hydrogen-specific pipelines.

EBRD’s Regional Director for the Mediterranean Region Gretchen Berry reiterated the bank’s commitment to supporting Jordan’s green hydrogen ambitions. 

She cited Jordan’s "abundant" renewable energy resources, strategic location, and strong phosphate market as key factors making it an attractive destination for green hydrogen investment.

“The EBRD is fully committed to supporting Jordan on its green hydrogen journey. We have already worked with a consultancy to define the technical requirements for establishing a green hydrogen hub in the Aqaba Special Economic Zone,” Berry said. 

“We are also evaluating shared infrastructure options to optimise both the technical and commercial aspects of these projects.”

The roundtable discussion aimed to strengthen collaboration between the public and private sectors, ensuring that green hydrogen projects drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability.