Energy
From The Report: Jordan 2013
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The kingdom is expected to reduce its reliance on energy imports by tapping into domestic oil shale reserves and promoting renewable energy development. The construction of a nuclear power plant and increased use of solar power promise to further help diversify electricity generation in coming years. In addition, discussions are under way to liberalise fuel distribution by removing the set price for petrol that the government controls, allowing competition over prices.
This chapter contains an interview with Alaa Batayneh, Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

Into the limelight: Reducing energy dependence by tapping into oil shale reserves
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Despite bordering oil and gas powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Iraq, Jordan has traditionally been regarded as having little in the way of energy resources of its own, and the country currently remains overwhelmingly reliant on imports. This reliance has in recent years been the source of growing political, economic and strategic problems for the country, and has seen the government cut back on fuel subsidies in order to tackle its deficit. Problems appear set to get worse before they get better,…

Interview

OBG talks to Alaa Batayneh, Former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources
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Interview:Alaa Batayneh What measures is Jordan taking to ensure its energy needs are met, and what role will alternative energies play in the sector going forward? ALAA BATAYNEH: We are facing an energy challenge in Jordan, but it’s important to note that it’s not just a Jordanian problem – it is a regional and global problem. In the medium and long term, however, we have good alternative energy solutions in place, particularly with renewable energy, our oil shale reserves, as well…

Analysis

Legislative reform: Moves to strengthen the mandate for renewable energy usage
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The passage of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Law (REEL) in April 2012 marked a major step towards the development of a significant renewables generation capacity in Jordan. The key change in the law was to allow investors to propose renewable energy projects to the government, rather than having to respond to government tenders (as was previously the case); the reform has already seen dozens of companies come forward with fresh ideas for renewable generation facilities. Other…

Analysis

Supply and demand challenges: Tracking efforts to diversify energy sources in the wake of rising prices
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Energy represents one of Jordan’s key economic and strategic challenges. The issue has transformed into a political problem, with recent fuel subsidy cuts and consequent price rises sparking protests against a backdrop of regional unrest. The government is considering measures such as rolling blackouts and restrictions on driving to deal with the country’s energy deficit in the short term. However, in the longer term the authorities are working to develop various domestic resources, including…

Analysis

Hidden treasure: Untapped resources could turn the kingdom into a key energy player
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Despite being regarded as energy-resource-poor, Jordan purportedly has vast reserves of oil shale, which can be processed into synthetic crude oil or burned directly for electricity production. Extraction is comparatively expensive, but global energy prices are making production of resources economically viable, and three oil shale concessions are now in place in the country. More look set to follow, with eight memoranda of understanding (MoU) for preliminary studies of other deposits also in…