Amman: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has signed a strategic agreement to establish the National Advanced Natural Gas Company – Watani, in a joint venture between the Jordan Petroleum Products Marketing Company (JoPetrol) and Jordan Liquefied Gas Company. The agreement, signed on Thursday under the patronage of Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, marks a major step in Jordan’s ongoing efforts to boost energy independence and better utilize domestic natural resources.
According to Jordan News Agency, the creation of Watani aligns with Jordan’s national strategy to secure reliable energy supplies and reduce dependence on imports. Energy Minister Saleh Al-Kharabsheh emphasized that this initiative reflects a commitment to transforming local challenges into economic opportunities. The minister highlighted the Risha gas field as a cornerstone of Jordan’s energy future, with plans to increase production to 418 million cubic feet per day by 2030, which is well above the Kingdom’s current needs for electricity generation.
Several projects are already underway to extend the natural gas network to industrial cities, aiming to cut energy costs and support economic growth as part of Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. The ministry also plans to supply natural gas to households, with the first phase set to begin in Amman and Zarqa.
On behalf of JoPetrol, CEO Khaled Zoubi described the initiative as a strategic leap toward a more sustainable and efficient energy future. He added that the new company will provide integrated energy solutions that support Jordan’s economy and promote clean energy.
Salah Khazaleh, CEO of Jordan Liquefied Gas Company, noted that the launch of Watani is the result of years of hard work and represents a key part of the company’s vision for a greener, more sustainable energy sector. He stated that the project supports national economic, environmental, and social stability and fits within Jordan’s energy diversification goals.
Mohammad Khassawneh, Director General of the National Petroleum Company, emphasized the national priority to boost production from the Risha field to serve local communities and strengthen energy security. Meanwhile, Ziyad Saaydeh, Chairman of the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission, praised the collaboration between public and private partners as a model for achieving energy resilience and sustainable development.
The Watani project is viewed as a flagship initiative within Jordan’s energy strategy, aiming to transport natural gas from the Risha field to critical economic sectors. It is supported by multiple government entities, including the Ministries of Energy and Interior, the Public Security Directorate, Civil Defense, and other key stakeholders. This broad backing has facilitated regulatory processes, enabling the initiative to progress despite challenges.
Watani will be responsible for purchasing, processing, transporting, selling, and distributing natural gas extracted from the Risha field, serving industrial sectors, the transportation industry, and gas-fueled public transport infrastructure. The company is expected to play a pivotal role in Jordan’s transition to cleaner energy and sustainable economic development, positioning the Kingdom as a regional leader in energy innovation, fully aligned with the goals of the Economic Modernization Vision 2033.