Amman: The fifth conference of the Jordan CIGRE National Committee (JCNC) kicked off on Wednesday, focusing on “Sustainable Electrical Networks and Digitization towards the Future.”
Minister of Energy Saleh Kharabsheh highlighted Jordan’s advanced electricity sector, describing it as one of the region’s best due to early development and robust interconnection with neighboring countries. He emphasized that Jordan’s strategic location and skilled workforce have positioned it as a key player in regional electrical interconnection projects.
“Jordan’s central location and strong electrical infrastructure, managed by competent professionals, have enabled significant progress in regional electrical projects,” Kharabsheh stated.
The JCNC, part of the International Council on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE International), comprises over 100 national committees. Established in France in 1921, CIGRE International is a global forum for key stakeholders in the electricity sector, including engineers, researchers, univer
sities, producers, manufacturers, system operators, and regulatory bodies.
Kharabsheh discussed ongoing projects to enhance electrical interconnections with Egypt, Iraq, and Palestine, and the development of a new interconnection point with Saudi Arabia. He expressed optimism that these initiatives will soon enhance regional energy exchange and create an integrated and competitive electricity market.
Despite its small size, Jordan has significantly increased its renewable energy output, from less than 1% in 2014 to over 26% in 2023, aiming for more than 30% by 2030. The Minister announced plans for Jordan’s first electricity storage project using pumped water at the Mujib Dam, with a capacity of 450 MW and seven hours of storage.
He also mentioned efforts to enhance transmission and distribution networks by incorporating smart grid technologies.
Kharabsheh highlighted Jordan’s ambition to support global energy transformation, emphasizing the potential for Jordan and Arab countries to become major producer
s of green energy, particularly green hydrogen.
He noted the creation of a national green hydrogen document and a roadmap for production projects. A national committee has been formed to oversee investments in this sector, with 12 memorandums of understanding and one framework agreement already signed.
The JCNC President and Director General of the National Electricity Company, Amjad Rawashdeh, addressed the impact of renewable energy on various sectors. He noted the surge in electric vehicles, predicting that their number could reach 210 million by 2030.
Rawashdeh stressed the importance of strategic planning to integrate sectors and turn challenges into opportunities, highlighting the strategic plans of over 23 countries.
He also emphasized the role of digitalization in enhancing sustainable energy transitions, improving electrical network efficiency, enabling smart tariff applications, and ensuring a fair and sustainable energy supply.
Source: Jordan News Agency