Irbid, Dec. 22 (Petra) – Jordan continues to expand investments in clean energy as a strategic option to enhance national energy security, reduce reliance on non-renewable sources, and mitigate environmental and health impacts linked to fossil fuels, amid rising costs of conventional energy.

Environmental and energy experts told Petra that the national shift toward renewable energy, particularly solar and wind power, has driven a gradual transformation in energy production and consumption patterns.

The move supports official efforts to meet environmental commitments, improve air quality, and provide safer and more sustainable solutions for electricity generation and heating, they pointed out.

They noted that clean energy investments significantly reduce carbon emissions and pollution, adding that Jordan’s natural and climatic advantage place it as a regional model in renewable energy deployment.

With more than 300 sunny days annually and suitable average wind speeds, the Kingdom is advancing its transition to renewable and cutting harmful emissions, the experts said.

Solar energy for electricity generation and heating is among the safest options due to its low environmental and health risks, said Al-Hussein Bin Talal University Technical College Dean, Omar Khashman.

He added that modern engineering solutions, including solar systems and smart thermal insulation, enhance public safety and energy efficiency.

Energy and oil specialist Amer Shoubaki said clean energy investment has become a cornerstone for strengthening energy security and lowering costs, noting that winter solar irradiance of 5–8 hours daily in several areas meets household electricity and heating needs.

He added that Energy Ministry programs aim to expand renewables and reduce household energy bills, citing efficient use of air-conditioner-based heating as a safe and effective option.

Head of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Yarmouk University, Mohammad Qudah, said clean energy investment helps reduce the national energy bill and redirect resources to development sectors.

He highlighted Jordan’s progress in renewables across industry and households, opening opportunities for international partnerships, wind projects, and biogas extraction for long-term environmental and economic gains.

Energy Ministry spokesperson Linda Abadi said renewable energy’s share in electricity generation reached about 26.9 percent by end of 2024, up from less than 0.5 percent in 2014.

She added that grid-connected renewable capacity reached about 2,840 megawatts, with investments exceeding JD 2.15 billion, supporting economic growth and job creation.

Abadi said the ministry is reviewing the 2025–2035 energy strategy to increase reliance on local sources and enhance grid stability through pumped-storage projects, expanded interconnections, smart grids, and electric transport.

She added that 2024 legislative amendments maintained tax and customs exemptions, expanded grid-connection mechanisms, and introduced storage technologies.

She said Jordan is advancing green hydrogen through a national strategy targeting gradual production expansion through 2050, supported by regulatory and infrastructure studies with international partners, and 13 memoranda of understanding with global companies to assess project feasibility.

Financial expert Ali Youssef said government programs have supported renewable adoption through direct financial incentives for solar water heaters and household solar systems.

He added that these initiatives enhance energy security, reduce import dependence, and lower household bills.

According to Energy Ministry data, more than 460,000 beneficiaries have used the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund programs, with direct investments of about JD 40 million and total project value exceeding JD 100 million.

//Petra// NQ

22/12/2025 15:46:32