Jibril said the renewable energy draft law will let the ministry to directly float tenders for renewable energy projects. As well, the legislation will let the ministry to obtain unsolicited offers for energy projects from both domestic and international private sector entities in an attempt to raise public-private partnership in renewable energy initiatives.
Jibril added that in addition to exempting renewable energy technologies from sales tax and customs in 2008, the lease of land for renewable energy projects is free.
Beside its continuing wind power projects, Jordan will persists to focus on Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) projects in Aqaba and southeastern areas, and exert efforts to increase solar water heater penetration in Jordan from 15% to 30% by 2015.
The CSP method utilizes lenses or mirrors and tracking systems to focus a large area of sunlight into a small beam used as a heat source for a conventional power plant.
According to the National Energy Research Centre, the terrain of Wadi Rum would be best suited to apply the technology, using the cliffs to angle mirrors down to a plant at the surface level.
The technology is not mature enough for commercial application for the time being, and the cost is too high, Jibril told attendees at the EJREC.
The ministry will potentially examine subsidizing solar technology in order to progress its application, as suggested by private sector participants, but said many international companies shy away from it as many see it as a risky business.
As part of the revised National Energy Strategy, the ministry anticipates to meet 29% of Jordan’s energy requirements from natural gas, 14% from oil shale, 10% from renewable energy resources and 6% from nuclear energy.
In addition to 600 megawatts (MW) of wind and 300-600 MW of solar energy, the government is looking to produce 30-50 MW of biomass by 2020. With the advancement of wind power technology, the ministry may double its goal of 600MW of wind energy by 2020, Jibril indicated.
