AMMAN — The annual progress report on the executive programme of the Economic Modernisation Vision (2023-2025) detailed advancements in Jordan’s energy sector in 2023.

 

According to the report published on the Prime Ministry’s website, 13 memoranda of understanding were signed with developers of green hydrogen projects, while nine initial technical reports were submitted by companies interested in investing in hydrogen production.

 

The land use agreements were finalised with multiple firms for green hydrogen production, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

 

In the oil and gas sector, the government announced the results of a study assessing indicative estimates of natural gas reserves in the Risha field. Natural gas was supplied to the Qastal industrial zone in Amman and the Hashemite industrial zone in Zarqa.

 

Five contractor bids were received for the delivery of natural gas to the Rawdah Industrial City in Maan and the Muwaqqar Industrial City.

 

Also an agreement was signed to establish a gas distribution network for the Quweira Industrial City, while a tender was awarded for leasing a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) vessel in the Gulf of Aqaba.

 

Efforts to enhance petroleum exploration included the signing of two MoUs to assess oil potential in the Sarhan and West Safawi regions. A tender was also awarded for conducting three-dimensional seismic surveys across 4,285 square kilometres in the Jafr area.

 

An agreement was signed to implement the $125 million Sheikh Sabah LNG port development project, which includes constructing an onshore gas conversion unit to enhance the port’s LNG-to-compressed-natural-gas capacity, ensuring reliable energy supplies for Jordan’s electricity and industrial sectors.

 

In line with energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives, a project was launched to install solar thermal heating systems in 33 government hospitals over the next four years, providing long-term renewable energy solutions for the healthcare sector.

 

A new regulatory framework was also approved to govern the integration of renewable energy facilities into the national grid, exempt renewable energy systems, and promote energy conservation.

 

To reduce energy costs, the government implemented a time-of-use tariff for the industrial, telecommunications, electric vehicle charging, public, and residential sectors, with plans to extend it to additional sectors in 2025.

 

The report highlighted key energy sector indicators, including a 0.75 per cent annual reduction in electricity transmission and distribution losses, which stood at 11.5 per cent. Renewable energy accounted for 21 per cent of total electricity generation, while cost reductions in the energy sector reached JD 90 million.

Another natural gas production from the Risha field increased by 55 million cubic feet, while daily oil output from the Hamza field reached 70 barrels. Two investment opportunities in oil, natural gas, and oil shale exploration were identified in the Sarhan and West Safawi areas.

 

Moreover, 1,265 solar water heaters were installed for low-income families, while 3,487 systems were financed for household installation.

 

Two industrial complexes were also connected to natural gas, contributing to a 21 per cent reduction in carbon emissions from electricity generation.