Ma'an: Ma'an Development Company (MDC) has strengthened its "strategic position as a regional hub" for industrial investment and renewable energy projects by expanding solar complexes and advancing plans to supply natural gas to Al Rawdah Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
According to Jordan News Agency, MDC CEO Mohammad Abu Tayeh stated that Ma'an's "high solar irradiation rates provide a strong competitive" advantage, positioning the governorate as a key destination for large-scale solar investments. He highlighted the completion of development and full commercial operation of the first solar complex. The infrastructure for the second solar complex has been completed, allowing for new solar power generation projects under approved mechanisms.
Abu Tayeh detailed these processes, which include generation and sale to the National Electric Power Company, off-site net metering, zero-export arrangements, and full export and import schemes. These projects aim to increase the share of renewable energy in Jordan's energy mix. Additionally, the SEZ is undergoing "strategic" transformation, with a project to supply natural gas to factories. This initiative is expected to reduce production costs and enhance competitiveness in heavy industries, such as glass manufacturing, high-purity silica processing, and solar panel production. The company is developing an internal gas distribution network.
The SEZ spans 2.5 square kilometers, with over 750,000 square meters already developed and equipped with infrastructure to attract industrial investment. Abu Tayeh emphasized that development efforts extend beyond industry and energy to include service and community projects. These initiatives encompass the "Oasis" project, providing integrated services for travelers along the international highway, and a residential complex for female students offering a safe and supportive living environment.
Through its non-profit arm, Ma'an Community Development Company, MDC is implementing programs to support small businesses, empower women, and assist charitable organizations, aiming to promote economic and social sustainability in the governorate.
Energy expert Ghazi Twaissi remarked that integrating renewable energy projects with natural gas supply is "key" to enhancing the competitiveness of industrial zones, particularly in regions like Ma'an with strong comparative advantages. Access to stable and low-cost energy directly reduces production costs for heavy industries, boosting their ability to expand and attract "high-value" investments, especially in resource-based sectors. Twaissi added that the planned expansion of solar energy projects and gas infrastructure development strengthens Jordan's energy security and supports a "sustainable development model," based on optimal use of local resources, in line with the Economic Modernization Vision.