Water Minister Mohammad Najjar announced the initiation of procedures to operate a 24-megawatt solar photovoltaic project in the Disi area. This initiative is being carried out through the Energy Unit (EnU) of the Planning and Management Department.
A statement from the ministry, reported by Jordan News Agency Petra, highlighted the successful completion of the BE reverse electrification process, a collaborative venture between the ministry and the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO).
At present, comprehensive evaluations are being conducted under the oversight of the independent engineering firm TUV, endorsed by both the Water Authority of Jordan and NEPCO. These evaluations aim to determine the project’s readiness for commercial deployment.
Najjar noted that the execution of the project was undertaken by SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd., a prominent Chinese company. Meanwhile, a consortium comprising the Egyptian-based Fernas Shoman Company and the German consultancy Ramboll Company provides supervision.
The minister emphasized the exceptional nature of the project, highlighting its status as the water sector’s pioneering solar energy venture of this scale.
Najjar further indicated that the project’s first operational year is projected to yield 79 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of energy. This optimistic estimation is attributed to the incorporation of advanced solar technology, including bi-facial solar panels and single-axis-tracker systems, designed to optimize peak solar hours.
Najjar conveyed his gratitude to various stakeholders, particularly the European Union, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, the Energy and Mineral Regulatory Authority, and NEPCO, for their pivotal roles in the project.
He revealed that the project receives support from a 30-million-euro grant from the European Union, managed through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). A portion of this grant is allocated for an energy storage facility integrated into the national grid, alongside an additional 1-megawatt solar venture located at the Zara Maen station.
This initiative aligns with the objectives outlined in the National Water Strategy 2023-2040, which aims to achieve a 10% increase in renewable energy contributions by 2025, Najjar concluded.
