Renewable energy production to 'increase fivefold by 2020'

Jordan

Published: 2017-09-07 11:29

Last Updated: 2024-03-25 07:10


Jordan is leading producer of renewable energy in the Arab world. (Photo Credit: Falcon Ma'an Solar Farm)
Jordan is leading producer of renewable energy in the Arab world. (Photo Credit: Falcon Ma'an Solar Farm)

Abdel Fattah Daradkeh, director general of the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), in a recent statement suggested that by 2020 Jordan will produce five times as much renewable energy. 

Currently, Jordan produces 500 megawatts of electricity from solar and wind energy projects, which are currently operational and connected to the power grid throughout the Kingdom. 

Daradkeh stated in an event held by EDAMA Association on renewable energy in Jordan, that several projects will be announced in the near future and work is under way on several others as we are keen on optimally utilising renewable energy".

The Jordan Times reports that according to environmentalists, the Kingdom has one of the highest annual daily average of solar irradiance in the world, with an estimated 330 days of sunshine per year.

Moreover, wind speeds in the country are as high as 7.5 metres to 11.5 metres per second in hilly areas, providing great opportunity to harness wind and solar energy. 

Daradkeh added that by 2020, solar and wind energy projects will be operational and connected to the grid with a total capacity of 2,400 megawatts.

There has also been increasing demand for solar panels installed to generate electricty at households and facilities, leading to less dependence on electricity companies. 

Daradkeh added that around 3,800 megawatts of electricity are generated by conventional energy resources.

This will increase to 4,300 megawatts by 2018, with some power plants being expanded as well as operations to utilize oil-shale to produce 470 megawatts.