Jordan’s share of electricity from renewable energy sources grew from almost zero in 2014 to around 20 per cent in 2020, thanks to enabling frameworks and policies that have supported the deployment of renewable energy technologies, including solar photovoltaic (PV) and onshore wind, according to a new report by the International Renewable Energy Agency (Irena).
However, opportunities exist to deepen private sector engagement in national efforts to reach a 31 percent share of renewables in total power by 2030, stated Irena in its report, "Renewables Readiness Assessment: Jordan" – developed in co-operation with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources.
The report has identified a series of policy measures that can help advance the energy transition towards renewable energy in Jordan.
"The recommendations of this report comply with the newly issued Energy strategy 2020-2030 and its action plan," remarked Engineer Hala Zawati, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jordan.
The report presents policy action areas to increase energy security and boost supply diversity through the accelerated uptake of renewables and includes ideas to boost end-use electrification and increase the availability of energy transition investments from domestic institutions.
"We are fully aware that to achieve all these ambitious targets, a strong partnership between the public and private sectors is needed. We are also eager to work with international friends and partners to make renewable energy a main pillar of the Jordan energy sector," stated the minister.
"Jordan boasts significant renewable energy resource potential that if realised will reduce consumer energy costs, improve national energy security, create jobs and stimulate sustainable growth – boosting post Covid-19 economic recovery efforts," remarked Irena Director-General Francesco La Camera.
"This report highlights a series of policy and regulatory measures that will allow Jordan to build on its energy transition progress to date and align it with 2030 national decarbonisation goals," he stated.
According to the report, capacity building in local financing institutions and project developers can drive their engagement in the energy transition, while helping the country to meet its needs in important areas such as the build-out of electric charging infrastructure for the transport system.
Challenges associated with integrating higher shares of renewables in Jordan can be addressed by building and upgrading transmission and distribution infrastructure, deploying storage, promoting demand-side management and incentivising electrification of heating, cooling and transportation, it added.
