Jordan Aims to Establish Itself as a Central Hub for Green Hydrogen

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources in Jordan is embarking on an ambitious initiative to position the country as a central hub for the production and export of green hydrogen within the region. This strategic move aligns with Jordan's overarching national strategy, emphasizing its commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions.

Collaborating with the US Agency for International Development, the ministry has formulated a comprehensive blueprint outlining the country's green hydrogen strategy. Attracting investments for the establishment of production facilities emerges as a crucial element in this strategy, reflecting the government's proactive approach to catalyze the growth of the green hydrogen sector.

As part of the broader strategy, the ministry is set to revise legislation to facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources into the national grid. This regulatory adjustment aims to create an enabling environment for investors and stakeholders involved in green hydrogen production, reinforcing Jordan's commitment to a sustainable and renewable energy future.

Simultaneously, Jordan is actively pursuing initiatives to transition to electric vehicles, recognizing their role in reducing carbon emissions and embracing cleaner modes of transportation. The assessments of infrastructure readiness and charging-station tariffs form critical components of this transition, indicative of the government's forward-looking approach to sustainable mobility.

The installation of 2,840 solar water heaters in 2023 represents a tangible step toward promoting renewable energy solutions at the grassroots level. This initiative not only contributes to reducing the carbon footprint but also directly benefits thousands of citizens across the nation, aligning with the government's commitment to enhancing the accessibility and adoption of clean energy technologies.

In a bid to reduce energy costs for industries, Jordan is planning the construction of natural gas pipelines to industrial zones. The proposed natural gas distribution networks in Amman and Zarqa, accompanied by a substantial capital investment of approximately $537 million, underscore the government's commitment to enhancing the energy infrastructure and promoting industrial sustainability.

In addition to these domestic initiatives, Jordan is actively exploring electrical interconnection projects with neighboring countries such as Egypt and Iraq. Feasibility studies are underway to double the electrical interconnection capacity between Jordan and Egypt, showcasing a commitment to regional collaboration and the development of interconnected energy networks.

Despite the significant progress made in energy sector initiatives throughout 2023, the ministry acknowledges the challenges encountered during implementation. Technical constraints in oil and gas exploration, financial sustainability concerns for the National Electric Power Company, and delays in evaluating and reviewing the overall status of the electrical system are among the challenges faced. The acknowledgment of these challenges reflects a transparent approach, highlighting areas for improvement and emphasizing the ministry's commitment to overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of a sustainable energy future for Jordan.