During the “A Year on Modernization” forum, marking the first anniversary of the economic modernization vision’s inauguration, discussions in the “Sustainable Resources” session delved into the best practices for harnessing sustainable resources. On Saturday, the Minister of Water and Irrigation, Muhammad Najjar, discussed the ministry’s efforts, highlighting the safeguarding of the Wadi Shuaib Dam from sedimentation and the commencement of infrastructure for natural gas delivery to the Industrial Quweira Directorate in Aqaba. Additionally, the ministry has kickstarted a project to rejuvenate the Al-Zara-Ma’in station, aiming to provide the capital with 100,000 cubic meters of water. Efforts also span implementing strategies to decrease water wastage and operating a biogas energy venture at the Aqaba purification facility. Najjar revealed that since the 2013 crackdown on water source infringements, 1,458 illegal wells have been dismantled, and 86,616 infractions on water pipelines were apprehended, with 5,134 of those seizures happening in the first half of this year alone. He also addressed the ministry’s future direction, which includes drafting a strategic roadmap for the National Electric Power Company, amplifying energy efficiency initiatives, and expanding wastewater treatment services. Chairman of the Energy Authority’s Board of Commissioners, Ziyad Al-Saaida, underlined the pivotal role of clean energy, noting its 22% contribution in 2022. Al-Saaida also announced advancements in transforming networks into intelligent systems, with a current progress rate of 26% and projections to hit 40% by year-end. In the context of international perspectives, Omar Abu Eid from the European Union Mission addressed sectoral integration as per royal mandates and the significance of the 2020-2030 strategy concerning renewable energy, green hydrogen, and electric mobility. Meanwhile, Moataz Kandil, regional head of FFI in the Middle East and North Africa, accentuated the potential of green hydrogen as a global clean and renewable energy source, expected to supplant conventional fuels in the foreseeable future. Dr. Muhammad Qamh from the World Bank spotlighted the need for an energy and financial sustainability strategy, emphasizing cost-efficient operations, revenue conservation, and fostering inter-Arab electrical connectivity.
Source: Jordan News Agency