National Economy
The population of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan (Jordan) is approximately 10.35 million people[1]. In 2019, 100% of the people in this country in West Asia had access to electricity[2].
In 2020, Jordan’s economy was ranked 91st in the world in gross domestic product (GDP)[3]. The country’s economy is dependent on the export[4] of fertilizer, calcium phosphate, medicines, clothing, vegetables, gold, and livestock.
Environment Policies
In 2016, Jordan signed the Paris Climate Agreement[5], committing to an unconditional 1.5% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, compared to a business-as-usual scenario.
In 2020, Jordan announced the National Energy Strategy 2020-2030 which focuses on increasing new renewable energy projects, reducing carbon emissions, and reducing the reliance on oil and natural gas imports.
In 2020, Jordan’s utilities used natural gas (78.3 %), renewable energy (13.8 %), and oil (7,9 %) to generate electricity[6] in the country. Solar and wind are the primary types of renewable energy used to generate electricity in Jordan.
Recent renewable energy projects in Jordan include:
- 1 Wind Project – In November 2018, United Arab Emirate (UAE) renewable energy company Alcazar Energy commissioned the Al-Rajef onshore wind project at a site approximately 100 miles south of the nation’s capital, Amman.
- 50 MW Solar Project – In September 2021, UAE renewable energy company AMEA Power commissioned the Al Husainiyah solar project at a site approximately 125 miles south of Amman.
- 45 MW Wind Project – In November 2020, UAE renewable energy company Alcazar Energy commissioned the Shobak onshore wind project at a site approximately 80 miles south-southwest of Amman.
Conclusions
Jordan has limited hydrocarbon resources and imports approximately 90% of its annual oil and natural gas requirements. Importing expensive oil and natural gas has negatively impacted Jordan’s economy.
Jordan has significant renewable energy resources, including wind and solar. The governments plan is to generate 30% of Jordan’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030. Jordan’s future in clean, green renewable energy.
Jack Kerfoot
Website – “Our Energy Conundrum”
www.jackkerfoot.com
[1] Jordan (2021) – December 22, 2021, www.worldmeters.info
[2] The World Bank Group, Access to Electricity (% of Population – Jordan
[3] Gross Domestic Product 2019 – World Bank DataBank
[4] OEC – Jordan
[5] Carbon Brief “Paris 2015: Tracking Country Climate Pledges”
[6] Our World In Data, Jordan: Energy Country Profile by Hanna Ritchie and Max Roser