Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources is taking a significant leap forward with an initiative aimed at establishing Jordan as a key player in the green h2 sector in the region. This initiative is a part of Jordan’s national strategy to promote sustainable energy practices.
In collaboration with the US Agency for International Development, Jordan has developed a detailed plan for its green hydrogen strategy. A key focus of this plan is attracting investment for setting up green hydrogen production facilities, demonstrating the government’s dedication to nurturing this emerging sector.
To support this strategy, the Ministry is revising laws to streamline the integration of renewable energy into the national grid. These legislative changes are designed to create a favorable environment for investors in green hydrogen, reinforcing Jordan’s commitment to renewable energy.
Jordan is also moving towards electric vehicles to lower carbon emissions and support cleaner transportation methods. Part of this effort includes evaluating infrastructure readiness and setting appropriate tariffs for charging stations, underscoring the government’s proactive stance on sustainable mobility.
A practical measure taken by the government is the installation of 2,840 solar water heaters in 2023. This move not only contributes to carbon footprint reduction but also provides direct benefits to thousands of Jordanians, fostering broader acceptance and use of renewable energy technologies.
To reduce industrial energy costs, Jordan plans to build natural gas pipelines to its industrial zones. The development of these gas networks in Amman and Zarqa, with an investment of about $537 million, highlights the government’s efforts to improve energy infrastructure and promote industrial sustainability.
Additionally, Jordan is engaging in regional energy collaboration, particularly with neighboring countries like Egypt and Iraq. This includes plans to double the electric interconnection capacity with Egypt, emphasizing Jordan’s role in fostering regional energy cooperation.
While significant strides have been made in energy initiatives in 2023, the Ministry acknowledges various implementation challenges. These include technical issues in oil and gas exploration, financial sustainability of the National Electric Power Company, and delays in assessing the electrical system. Recognizing these challenges indicates the Ministry’s transparent approach and its determination to address these issues in its quest for a sustainable energy future for Jordan.