Jordan Signs 66 Agreements to Boost Industrial Energy Efficiency and Reduce Carbon Emissions

A significant ceremony at the Jordan Chamber of Industry marked a major advancement in the country’s industrial energy efficiency initiatives. The event, hosted by Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), celebrated the signing of 66 agreements with industrial establishments under the Energy Efficiency Technologies Implementation Program.

Engineer Fathi Al-Jaghbir, President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry, and Rasmi Hamza, Director of JREEEF, were also in attendance, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government and industry to enhance energy efficiency.

Government Commitment to Energy Savings
Dr. Al-Kharabsheh highlighted the industrial sector’s critical role in driving economic growth and reducing unemployment. He emphasized the Ministry’s commitment to alleviating financial pressures on industries through energy-saving programs, which are projected to save up to 60% on energy costs for participating establishments.

Energy Audit Studies and Partnership Success
Dr. Al-Jaghbir praised the partnership between the Ministry and the Jordan Chamber of Industry, noting the value of energy audit studies in identifying energy-saving opportunities and cutting operational costs. He pointed out that prior phases of the program had already benefited around 55 industrial facilities.

Rasmi Hamza expressed pride in the program’s success, with over 60 agreements signed, and reaffirmed JREEEF’s dedication to promoting energy-efficient practices to combat climate change. He also thanked the stakeholders for their ongoing collaboration in the program’s success.

Program Overview and Funding
Funded by JREEEF, the Energy Efficiency Technologies Implementation Program aims to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions while enhancing the competitiveness of Jordanian industries. The program covers 100% of funding for energy audit studies and provides technical support through the Enhancing Green Activities in Industrial Establishments (GAIN) project, supported by the German agency GIZ and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation (BMZ).

Targeted at small and medium enterprises, government buildings, households, agricultural sectors, and energy service companies (ESCOs), the initiative seeks to develop sustainable energy practices across various sectors in Jordan.

Impact on National Energy Goals
With the industrial sector accounting for 16% of Jordan’s final energy consumption in 2022, programs like these are vital for reaching the nation’s energy efficiency targets. To date, 48 energy audit studies have been completed in industries including plastics, pharmaceuticals, food, chemicals, textiles, engineering, construction, and wood, demonstrating significant energy-saving potential and sustainability opportunities.