Amman, Aug 23 (Petra) – Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh emphasized that energy supply security, diversification of sources and types, and rational energy consumption are top priorities in the Economic Modernization Vision. He noted that boosting investment in renewable energy enhances national energy security.

His remarks came during the energy sector session of the preparatory meetings for the second executive program of the Economic Modernization Vision (EMV) for 2026-2029, held at the Prime Ministry on Saturday.

Kharabsheh highlighted the energy sector’s role in strengthening the national economy and enabling all other sectors, stressing the importance of private sector participation in implementing projects under the modernization vision.

He pointed to the Risha Gas Development Project as a key initiative in the coming phase due to its importance in enhancing energy security, enabling the industrial sector to compete domestically and internationally, and creating more job opportunities.

The minister revealed the addition of 24 new projects, including initiatives for producing, using, and exporting green hydrogen and its derivatives, as well as maximizing local value from energy sector resources and projects.

He noted that some of the new projects are linked to the Gas Law, green hydrogen production, oil exploration, extending a gas pipeline to connect Risha gas with the Arab Gas Pipeline, constructing new liquefied petroleum gas storage tanks, establishing asphalt handling facilities, supplying electricity to production sectors and households, providing gas to Zarqa and the capital, as well as several industrial cities, energy storage through batteries, and projects related to renewable energy systems and solar water heaters.

Kharabsheh also reviewed major achievements from the previous phase, including the Electricity Law, regulatory frameworks for charging stations, drilling and exploration at Sarhan field, green hydrogen project incentives, the Renewable Energy Law, electricity supply in rural areas, energy storage projects, the Gas Law, time-based electricity tariffs, ongoing development of Risha field, cross-border electricity interconnections, gas networks to industrial cities, and projects to supply natural gas to Amman and Zarqa as investment opportunities, in addition to renewable energy initiatives.

He mentioned the preparation of a green hydrogen roadmap and signing 14 memoranda of understanding and framework agreements with green hydrogen project developers.

Regarding sector performance last year, Kharabsheh said that 31 percent of the 52 projects were completed, 16 fully implemented, 36 under execution, 24 newly added, and 36 ongoing.

He explained that project selection criteria for the 2026-2029 program focus on economic impact, sectoral performance indicators, alignment with initiatives, and readiness for implementation.

Participants emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision, noting that the energy sector plays a critical role in supporting other sectors.

//Petra// AF

23/08/2025 21:52:46