Jordan and renewable energy: interview with Adnan Z Amin
Adnan Z Amin, Director-General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA): interview.
How would you assess the measures taken by Jordan to increase the use of renewable energy sources?
Adnan Z Amin: Jordan’s energy demand is rapidly increasing: by 2020 it is expected to be double what it was in 2007. To meet this need while also achieving social, economic and environmental targets, Jordan must shift away from its reliance on costly fossil fuel imports. The government recognises this, and has adjusted its energy strategy to take advantage of its tremendous domestic solar and wind renewable energy resources. Jordan aims to become a net exporter of energy by 2030 and to achieve a 10% share of renewables in its primary energy supply by 2020. It will also increase its solar energy target by more than 65% by 2020, with 500 MW expected to come on-line by the end of 2017.
Along with the National Energy Policy, these targets are steps in the right direction and are already reaping economic benefits. The renewable energy market in Jordan is growing rapidly, with projects such as Tafila Wind Farm – the first commercial utility-scale wind power project in the region – contributing 10% of the country’s renewables target. Jordan is poised to become a renewable energy hub both regionally and globally.
Read the full interview via Oxford Business Group.
[Photo by Mario Micklisch | Flickr]
