Jordan to build a Solar plant

The Middle East has plenty of oil reserves, and the government loves its petrodollars. However with the current instability in oil prices, it makes sense for the country to shift its focus to the other renewable energy sources.

There are two main concerns for middle-eastern cities in using oil as a source of energy in the long run. Firstly there has been a rising oil demand in the home country, and secondly there will be a constant slashing of profit, which will be unavoidable in the near future. The Middle-eastern countries had earlier unveiled plans for nuclear energy generation, but many turned their backs after the dangerous disadvantages of nuclear power in Japan. The solar energy is becoming affordable by the day and middle-east has high solar insolation too. It will be beneficial for these countries to adopt solar energy on a larger scale.

UAE has been witnessing a solar drive lately. According to the IRENA report, UAE could install upto 17,500 MW of solar power by 2030 from just 40 MW at present. Now a new solar plant worth $150 million is in pipeline, to be built in Jordan. It will be a 65-75 MW solar plant located in Qweira. Jordan has shortlisted 15 companies – local and international to bid for this plant. First Solar, SunEdison and several other Chinese companies are amongst the preselected companies, according to a list posted on the ministry’s website. The Gulf Cooperation Council will fund the project.

Like many other cities, Jordan too imports ~97% of its energy resources. The new solar plant will reduce some dependency on imports. The city has set a target to achieve 10% of its total energy requirements from renewable energy sources by 2020. According to the ministry, renewable energy projects worth 1800 MW will be grid connected by 2018.

 “This is one of the important projects for Jordan and part of its strategy towards further adoption of renewable energy,” Haidar Gammaz, the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources’ spokesperson said.

Source: Jordan Times