Amman, April 24 (Petra) -- Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has signed a strategic agreement to establish the National Advanced Natural Gas Company – Watani, in a joint venture between the Jordan Petroleum Products Marketing Company (JoPetrol) and Jordan Liquefied Gas Company.

The agreement, signed on Thursday under the patronage of Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, marks a major step in Jordan’s ongoing efforts to boost energy independence and better utilize domestic natural resources.

"The creation of Watani aligns with our national strategy to secure reliable energy supplies and reduce dependence on imports," Kharabsheh said at the signing ceremony. "It also reflects our commitment to transforming local challenges into economic opportunities."

He highlighted the importance of the Risha gas field as a cornerstone of Jordan’s energy future, with plans to ramp up production to 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030 well above the Kingdom’s current needs for electricity generation.

The minister noted that several projects are already underway to extend the natural gas network to industrial cities, a move aimed at cutting energy costs and supporting economic growth as part of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. The ministry also plans to supply natural gas to households, with the first phase set to begin in Amman and Zarqa.

Speaking on behalf of JoPetrol, CEO Khaled Zoubi described the initiative as "a strategic leap toward a more sustainable and efficient energy future." He added that the new company will provide integrated energy solutions that support Jordan’s economy and promote clean energy.

Salah Khazaleh, CEO of Jordan Liquefied Gas Company, said the launch of Watani was the culmination of years of hard work and represents a key part of the company’s vision for a greener, more sustainable energy sector.

"This project supports national economic, environmental, and social stability," he said, "and fits squarely within Jordan’s energy diversification goals."

Mohammad Khassawneh, Director General of the National Petroleum Company, emphasized the national priority to boost production from the Risha field, both to serve local communities and to strengthen energy security.

Meanwhile, Ziyad Saaydeh, Chairman of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission, praised the collaboration between public and private partners as a model for achieving energy resilience and sustainable development.

The Watani project is widely seen as a flagship initiative within Jordan’s energy strategy. It aims to transport natural gas from the Risha field to critical economic sectors, supported by multiple government entities including the Ministries of Energy and Interior, the Public Security Directorate, Civil Defense, and other key stakeholders.

This broad backing has helped smooth regulatory pathways, with permits and legislation enabling the initiative to move forward despite challenges.

Watani will be responsible for purchasing, processing, transporting, selling, and distributing natural gas extracted from the Risha field, serving industrial sectors, the transportation industry, and gas-fueled public transport infrastructure.

The company is expected to play a pivotal role in Jordan’s transition to cleaner energy and sustainable economic development, helping position the Kingdom as a regional leader in energy innovation fully aligned with the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision 2033.

//Petra// AA

24/04/2025 13:14:22