There is a huge potential for more projects and investments in energy efficiency in various areas in the Kingdom, Energy Minister Ibrahim Saif said on Monday.

Jordan, which imports some 97 per cent of its energy needs at a cost of around 18 per cent of the gross domestic product, is working on several initiatives to ration the use of energy, educate citizens and industries on the importance of this issue and exempt energy-saving devices from taxes and fees, the minister said.

He made the remarks at a gathering in Amman on the EU and European Bank for Reconstruction Development (EBRD) 2016-2019 energy efficiency plans for Jordan, organised by EDAMA Association.

Saif noted that Jordan is classified as an energy-intensive country as its energy consumption is high even when compared to industrial countries, adding that the EU’s assistance is fundamental to supporting the Kingdom’s energy sector.

Jordan, which currently exports electricity to the West Bank and exchanges electricity with Egypt, is well-positioned to export more electricity to the region, the minister said.

He added that improved connectivity and finding partners is key to this issue, especially since Jordan is implementing several projects to generate electricity, including renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts that are under construction and in the pipeline.

Heike Harmgart, head of EBRD Jordan, said the bank will continue to support the Kingdom in this area.

“We are also ready to support the private sector in adopting projects to ration the use of energy,” she said.

Also speaking at the event, EU Ambassador to Jordan Andrea Matteo Fontana said energy efficiency in Jordan needs more investments.

“Much more of the wasted energy can be saved in Jordan and reduce pressure,” Fontana said.

At the meeting, funded by the EU and the EBRD, EDAMA CEO Yara Abdel Samad said the EU and the EBRD have invested heavily in Jordan’s energy sector through projects that promote the integration of energy efficiency measures and the development of new sources of renewable energy.

The Jordan Times