Jordan Seeks to Scale Up Renewable Generation 10% by 2020

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Researched by Industrial Info Resources India (Delhi, India)--With an objective to reduce the country's dependence on fossil fuels for power generation, the government of Jordan has chalked out an ambitious plan to ramp up its renewable power generation capacity by 2020. A series of small- to medium-scale solar and wind power plants ranging from 10 megawatts (MW) to 80 MW has been identified for development by 2020.

The National Energy Strategy of Jordan has set targets to increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to the country's energy supply. The share of renewable energy in the total energy mix is anticipated to reach 7% by 2015 and 10% by 2020.

Plans involve developing 2,000 MW of solar and wind energy projects by the end of the decade, with more than 60 international firms expressing interest in various projects across the country. Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has selected 29 local and international firms for establishing solar and wind energy projects. The selected firms are solely responsible for preparation of the Detailed Feasibility Report and Detailed Project Report, as well as for EPC activities.

Reportedly, Chinese solar major Trina Solar Limited (NYSE:TSL) (Changzhou, China) has expressed interest in investing in solar power projects. A delegation from Trina Solar held talks with the ministry to set up a $200 million project, which would be one of the first commercial solar energy projects in Jordan.

The heightened interest in solar power projects is being driven by Jordan's recently approved Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law. The law, drafted in 2009 and passed by the Jordanian Parliament last May, is likely to pave the way for investment in the country's' renewable energy sector by offering tax incentives for alternative energy projects.

Jordan falls within the world's high solar irradiation zone, with average solar radiation ranging between 5 and 7 kilowatt-hours per square meter. The country presently has off-grid photovoltaic installations in rural and remote villages that are utilized for lighting and water-pumping solutions. Furthermore, about 15% of Jordan's households are equipped with solar water heating systems. Jordan currently operates two wind power plants at Ibrahimyah and Hofa.

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