Abu Dhabi-based renewable energy giant Masdar announced on Thursday it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to develop 2 GW of renewable energy projects.
The MoU was signed at an event on the sidelines of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).
HE Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Chairman of Masdar, said, “The projects being explored through this memorandum would support Jordan’s ambitious renewable energy goals and help to ensure energy security for the nation. As we look toward hosting COP28 in the UAE next year, Masdar is dedicated to supporting our neighboring countries in the Middle East in their energy transitions.”
The Jordanian Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources HE Dr Al-Kharabsheh said, Jordan currently produces around 29 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, and aims to increase this share to 50 percent by 2030. The country is also looking to become a regional hub for green energy production.
As per the MoU, the two sides will explore the development and investment in renewable energy projects with a production capacity of up to 2 GW.
The memorandum also includes exchange of expertise and knowledge in the areas of renewable energy and infrastructure development, including electricity transformation, distribution, and exportation.
Through the MoU, Masdar may significantly increase its renewable energy footprint in Jordan, which currently includes two major renewable energy plants.
In 2015, Masdar delivered the Tafila Wind Farm in Jordan, the first commercial utility-scale wind power project in the Middle East. The 117 MW wind farm increased the country’s total power capacity by 3 percent.
Masdar was also the developer and lead partner on the 200 MW Baynouna project, located east of Amman, which is the largest single solar energy project in Jordan.
