Amman:Jordan is taking steps to enhance investment in its oil shale resources in a bid to diversify energy supplies and bolster electricity security, according to Acting Secretary-General of the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Bahjat Adwan.
According to Jordan News Agency, Adwan emphasized the importance of oil shale as a key domestic energy resource while speaking at the Fourth International Oil Shale Conference. He advocated for continued investment in technologies to enhance its commercial viability and highlighted Jordan's energy policy, which focuses on diversifying supply sources, including natural gas, petroleum products, oil shale, and renewable energy, to ensure the stability of the national electricity system.
Currently, renewable energy contributes about 27 percent to Jordan's electricity mix, with plans to increase this share while maintaining a balanced mix of domestic and imported energy. The Attarat oil shale power plant currently supplies around 14 percent of the nation's electricity needs, showcasing Jordan's experience in developing oil shale-based electricity generation.
Adwan acknowledged challenges faced in oil shale projects, such as economic feasibility, production costs, and processing requirements, but stressed the resource's potential for further development. He invited investors to explore opportunities in oil shale-based power generation and the production of petroleum derivatives, noting the ministry's readiness to evaluate investment proposals for technical and financial feasibility.
The ministry is also exploring commercial applications for waste and ash from oil shale combustion, including their use in cement manufacturing and material recovery. Adwan emphasized the need for the conference to yield practical recommendations to support government planning and guide investment decisions.
Al-Balqa Applied University Vice President Zaid Anbar discussed the broader implications of developing oil shale resources, including energy independence, national security, and economic growth. He highlighted the importance of balancing economic benefits with environmental protection through sustainable technologies.
The two-day conference in Amman gathers researchers, academics, technical experts, and industry representatives from Jordan and abroad to discuss advancements in oil shale extraction and processing technologies, investment prospects, and associated economic and environmental considerations.