Jordan is making good on its policy to increase reliance on renewable sources of energy, basically solar and wind, by embarking on projects designed for that purpose.

It recently signed deals with the Greece-based Sunrise Photovoltaic Systems and Saudi Oger Ltd. whereby each will build a 50-megawatt solar plant in the country.

The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources announced that the two deals are projected for completion in 18 to 24 months.

The projects complement the 80-megawatt wind energy plant in Maan, which is already under way and projected to be completed during the second half of 2016.

These and other solar and wind energy plants are proof of action of the country’s declared national energy strategy at a time the country imports about 97 per cent of its energy needs for a sum that makes up 18 per cent of its GDP.

The deals are commendable; they not only help secure and maintain a healthy, green, environment — in contrast with the polluted one resulting from the use of fossil fuel — but also help the economy by lowering a great deal the dependence on imported energy sources.

The country is clearly committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and the above projects show it moving in the right direction, in compliance with international standards set by the recent summit on climate change, held in Paris.

Of course the projected power plants will not satisfy the total energy needs of the country, so more plants using renewable energy sources will be required along the way.

Still, a promising start has been made and as long as the country’s national energy strategy is faithfully complied with, the day will come when most of its energy needs will be satisfied by renewable energy sources.
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