Amman: The Lower House Energy and Mineral Resources Committee held a meeting on Monday chaired by MP Ayman Abu Haniyeh, dedicated to conducting an initial review of the draft Gas Law for 2025.
According to Jordan News Agency, Abu Haniyeh stated that the draft Gas Law constitutes a modern and integrated legislative framework to regulate gas sector activities and hydrogen derivatives in the Kingdom. This legislation comes as a direct response to the energy sector's future requirements, focusing on supply security, transitioning to clean energy, and strengthening national energy infrastructure.
He elaborated that the draft law is characterized by legislative flexibility, covering various types of gas, including natural gas, biogas, biomethane, and hydrogen. This alignment with global shifts toward sustainable energy enables Jordan to keep pace with technical and investment developments in this vital sector.
Abu Haniyeh noted that the draft law comprehensively addresses key gas activities such as import, transport, distribution, storage, and wholesale and retail sales. It is designed to offer legislative clarity in regulating all stages of the value chain, promoting shared or self-use of facilities.
He added that the draft law facilitates major economic projects and encourages investment in the gas sector by providing a clear regulatory environment and streamlined licensing procedures. This approach aims to stimulate a shift to natural gas and expand transport, distribution, and storage networks, positively impacting the national economy.
Abu Haniyeh pointed out that the draft law establishes mechanisms for calculating fees and returns, granting licensees the freedom to conclude investment agreements and sell gas transparently and competitively, ensuring a balance between state and investor rights.
He emphasized that the developments in the draft law would enhance Jordan's regional standing in gas infrastructure and derivatives. It regulates transit and export activities according to clear standards, supporting the Kingdom's role as a regional energy hub.
The draft law mandates international operating standards, ensuring gas quality and compliance with specifications, including adopting certificates of origin for green hydrogen. This is part of the national transition toward sustainable energy and enhances global market confidence in Jordanian products.
He explained that the draft law strengthens the Energy and Minerals Regulatory Commission's role as an independent regulator with full supervisory and oversight powers, safeguarding investors' rights, ensuring market balance, and reinforcing governance and transparency principles.
MPs Jamal Gammoh, Naseem Al-Abadi, Rakin Abu Haniyeh, Mai Al-Harahsheh, Iman Al-Abbasi, and Khader Bani Khaled emphasized the importance of the 2025 Gas Law draft and its comprehensive legislative provisions. They stressed the need to prioritize its discussion and specialized review, considering international experiences and models to reach balanced legislation that enhances energy security, encourages investment, and safeguards national interests.
Regarding the mining agreement in the Abu Khshaibah area, Abu Haniyeh assured that the parliamentary energy committee would handle it with transparency and national responsibility. The committee is committed to a thorough study and scrutiny of all technical, financial, legal, and environmental details to protect national interests and maximize returns for the Jordanian economy.