Ministry signs 72 agreements to boost energy efficiency in industrial sector

AMMAN — Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Tuesday signed 72 agreements with industrial facilities benefiting from the Energy Efficiency Technologies Programme.

Kharabsheh, who also chairs the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund, highlighted the critical role of the industrial sector in driving economic growth, job creation and achieving the goals outlined in the Economic Modernisation Vision, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

“These agreements are part of our ongoing efforts to reduce energy consumption by up to 60 per cent for participating industries, all while ensuring minimal disruption to their operations,” Kharabsheh said, adding that the ministry aims to ease the sector’s energy-related burdens through various programmes and initiatives.

Pointing to Jordan’s energy consumption, which exceeds the international average, Kharabsheh emphasised the urgent need for energy-saving measures to generate substantial savings.

He also outlined key initiatives aimed at supporting the sector, such as extending natural gas to cities and industrial zones.

The ministry has recently issued tenders to bring natural gas to industrial cities in Maan's Rouda, Al Muwaqqar, Zarqa and Mafraq, and has licensed companies to transport gas to remote areas, the minister added.

Kharabsheh also unveiled plans to generate 100 megawatts of electricity specifically for industrial facilities, with an emphasis on raising awareness among industrialists to further reduce energy costs.

He also announced a government-backed incentive programme to support factories in developmental industrial zones in Tafileh and Karak, which will offer up to 75 per cent energy cost exemptions for the first five years, followed by a 50 per cent reduction after three years and a 25 per cent reduction after two years.

In total, the ministry has signed 139 agreements with industrial facilities, reaffirming its commitment to advancing energy efficiency and conservation programs as part of its broader climate change mitigation efforts.

Since the launch of the industrial project, 84 energy audits have been completed across various sectors, including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food production, chemicals, cosmetics, textiles, engineering, construction and furniture manufacturing.