Amman, Dec. 11 (Petra) -- The National Electric Power Company (NEPCO) and Al-Shams Specialized Company signed two major agreements on Thursday to advance Jordan's renewable energy capacity through the development and interconnection of a 100-megawatt solar power generation project.

The agreements, covering both construction and supply, as well as transmission and grid interconnection, were signed in the presence of Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh, NEPCO Director General Dr. Sufyan Al-Batayneh, and Al-Shams Chairman Eng. Abdullah Al-Shawabkeh.

Kharabsheh emphasized the strategic role of the energy sector as a primary enabler of national economic development, supporting industrial competitiveness and contributing to growth targets outlined in the Economic Modernization Vision.

He highlighted a series of government initiatives aimed at reducing energy costs for industry, including the expansion of natural gas infrastructure to industrial zones, licensing companies to transport gas to remote clusters, issuing tenders to enhance gas distribution, and offering time-of-use electricity tariffs to help industries optimize consumption.

Al-Shawabkeh noted that implementation of the solar project is expected to begin in January, stating that the initiative will significantly lower energy costs for factories and strengthen the global competitiveness of Jordanian products.

Al-Batayneh said the agreements reflect a key initiative supporting the Economic Modernization Vision’s efforts to reduce industrial energy costs by improving efficiency, expanding renewable energy adoption, and decreasing reliance on imported fuels.

He added that the project will enhance energy security, reduce long-term operational expenses, and strengthen Jordan’s economic resilience in line with the national energy strategy.

Under the terms of the agreements, NEPCO will construct a 400 kV switchyard, a 400 kV transmission line, and undertake associated civil and electrical works to expand the IPP3 switchyard for the purpose of connecting the new solar plant to the national grid.

Al-Shams, established under the umbrella of the Amman Chamber of Industry, will oversee construction of the 100 MW facility and supply participating factories with electricity produced from the project.

The industrial sector is expected to begin realizing the project’s benefits within two years, including reduced operating costs, improved energy efficiency, and strengthened competitiveness for manufacturers and investors.

Officials said the initiative aligns with the Kingdom’s broader reform agenda, which aims to accelerate economic growth, enhance sustainability, and deepen Jordan’s integration into global markets.

//Petra// RZ

11/12/2025 11:25:13