Amman: Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Dr. Saleh Kharabsheh announced plans to advance Jordan’s mining sector, alongside emphasizing the country’s achievements in renewable energy. He highlighted that approximately 27% of Jordan’s electricity comes from renewable sources, making it the leading country in the Middle East in terms of renewable energy contribution to its electricity mix.
According to Jordan News Agency, Dr. Kharabsheh inaugurated the First National Conference on Energy and Mineral Resources, where he revealed the government’s plans to license companies specialized in exploring gold, copper, and other mineral resources. This licensing initiative marks the first of its kind in Jordan. The minister also mentioned ongoing efforts to produce green hydrogen as part of the Economic Modernization Vision.
Amani Azzam, Secretary-General of the Ministry, stated that Jordan relies heavily on natural gas sourced from a floating gas ship in Aqaba. The ministry is working on converting gas into compressed liquid to reduce costs for Jordan’s industrial estates. Additionally, the ministry aims to automate energy and minerals sector services, which will soon be available online.
Ziad Sa’aideh, Chairman of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission (EMRC), noted the implementation of an incentive electricity tariff in 2024, which has led to financial savings for beneficiary sectors. He also mentioned that 75% of the Kingdom’s electric meters have been replaced with smart devices, with the project expected to be completed soon.
Fathi Jaghbir, Chairman of the Jordan and Amman Chamber of Industry, announced a proposal to establish a holding company for gas transportation, which is expected to create new job opportunities. MP Haitham Ziyadin, Head of the Lower House Energy Committee, stated that studies show the Risha field contains 4.5 trillion cubic feet of gas, enough to meet Jordan’s needs for six years.
The conference, organized by Al-Taj News Company, concluded with a call to enhance investment in Jordan’s energy and mineral wealth sector and strive for sustainable energy transformation to bolster the national economy. The event included participation from experts in energy and construction, as well as representatives from both public and private sector institutions.