Masdar and the Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources have agreed to work together on the potential construction of two 2 GW renewable energy projects, as evidenced by the signing of a memorandum of understanding

At a signing ceremony held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2022, His Excellency Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar, and His Excellency Dr. Saleh Al-Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Jordan, signed a memorandum of understanding (COP27).

HE This new MoU to explore the development of 2 GW capacity is a testament to the close brotherly relationship between the UAE and Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and our shared commitment to sustainability and decarbonization," said Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, Special Envoy for Climate Change, and Chairman of Masdar. This memorandum outlines potential projects that will advance Jordan's renewable energy targets and strengthen the country's ability to meet its energy needs independently. Masdar is committed to assisting Middle Eastern countries as they undergo energy transformations as the UAE prepares to host COP28 in 2019.

HE According to Dr. Al-Kharabsheh, Jordan is already a leader in the area when it comes to the development of renewable energy, with the country producing about 29% of its electricity from renewable sources at present and hoping to grow this proportion to 50% by 2030. Due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Asia, Africa, and Europe, the country hopes to become a regional powerhouse for green energy generation.

To quote the signing of this agreement: "In Jordan, we believe in the collaborative effort; whether on the regional or national level, and the relationship with our brothers in the UAE and Masdar will allow our country to achieve its sustainability aspirations."

In accordance with the terms of the MoU, the parties will discuss opportunities for the development and investment in renewable energy projects in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan with a total capacity of up to 2 GW. In addition to committing to collaborate on renewable energy and infrastructure projects, such as the transmission, distribution, and exporting of power, the parties to the memorandum have also agreed to share their respective knowledge and experience in these areas.

Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, made the following statement about Masdar's partnership with Jordan: "For nearly a decade, Masdar has been a proud partner of Jordan, helping to deliver innovative renewable energy projects that contribute to Jordan's sustainable development." We anticipate that the scope and depth of our cooperation with Jordan in the field of renewable energy would grow as a result of this latest MoU.

Masdar's footprint in renewable energy in Jordan, which now includes two major renewable energy plants, may be greatly expanded by the MoU.

Masdar completed the first commercial utility-scale wind power project in the Middle East in 2015 when it handed over the Tafila Wind Farm in Jordan. The 117 MW wind farm contributed 3 percent to the nation's overall power capacity.

The 200 MW Baynouna project, located east of Amman, is the largest single solar energy project in Jordan, and Masdar was the developer and lead partner. Since 2020, the project has provided enough electricity for over 160,000 houses annually, offsetting the equivalent of about 360,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually. Annually, it produces 563 GWh, or about 4% of Jordan's total energy demand.