Jordan Renewable Readiness Assessment by IRENA

The contribution of renewables to Jordan’s electricity mix has grown impressively in recent years, rising from just 1% in 2014 to 13% in 2019. Renewable energy systems feeding into the national power grid reached 1 558 megawatts (MW) by 2019 and have since swelled to some 2 200 MW, or 20% of our overall electricity mix. The integration of renewables reflects extensive preparation via the legislative and procedural framework, coupled with the progressive strengthening of human capacity and formation of partnerships with the private sector. Jordan’s recently launched National Energy Strategy for 2020-2030 aims to ensure energy security, affordability and sustainability, along with increased use of domestic energy resources. After close consideration of various possible scenarios for 2030, the strategy promotes a high independence scenario as the most compatible with achieving broader strategic objectives. These include diversifying our energy sources, boosting the use of domestic energy resources, increasing energy efficiency and reducing energy costs throughout the national economy, and continuing to develop the Jordanian energy system. The strategy calls for increasing renewables to 21% of power generation within the year and 31% by the end of the decade. The National Energy Efficiency Action Plan, adopted in 2014, created the Jordan Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF), which helps farmers, households, industries, hotels, mosques, churches, schools and communities optimise their energy consumption and use more renewable power. The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) has helped us evaluate our current position, including successes and achievements, as well as our challenges. The resulting Renewables Readiness Assessment outlines key measures and solutions to enable us to move forward and meet our renewable energy targets. The recommendations are consistent with our 2020-2030 energy strategy. Moreover, the groundwork behind this report is reflected in our latest implementation plans. Our ambitious targets for the energy sector require a strong partnership between the public and private sectors. We are eager, also, to work with international friends and partners to make renewables a prominent pillar of Jordan’s energy system....