Amman: More than 460,000 individuals have taken advantage of the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry's Energy Promotion and Consumption Efficiency Fund programs, which saw a direct investment of approximately JD40 million and projects valued at over JD100 million, according to Rasmi Hamza, the fund's CEO.
According to Jordan News Agency, Hamza spoke during a session at the Jordan Economic Forum on the economic and social impact of the Renewable Energy Fund's programs on development. Established in 2014 with an initial government capital of JD25 million, the fund has become a leader in Jordan's energy transition through initiatives aimed at households and economic sectors.
The programs have significantly impacted hundreds of thousands of families, reducing energy costs in essential sectors such as industry. Since its inception, the fund has concentrated on achieving a direct economic and social impact on citizens, lowering the national energy bill, and enhancing the competitiveness of productive economic sectors.
Hamza highlighted that Jordan initiated its first large-scale solar power plant with a 50-megawatt capacity, which was followed by 117-megawatt wind projects in Tafileh, spurring investments in renewable energy. In 2014, the penetration of solar heaters in Jordan was just 13 percent; however, with the fund's support, over 70,000 families benefited, including 8,000 impoverished households that received free solar systems. By 2030, the goal is to install 90,000 solar water heaters.
The programs provide direct savings for citizens, with solar heaters reducing expenses by JD20 to 25 monthly, translating to JD240 to 300 annually per family. More than 250 local associations have been engaged to extend these projects to villages and rural areas.
The fund's initiatives have been comprehensive, equipping 630 places of worship with solar energy systems, alongside 15 public benefit institutions, 20 government buildings, and 33 health centers. Additionally, 135 schools benefited under a royal heating and cooling initiative. In the agricultural sector, energy systems were installed in 240 farms, and energy conservation efforts were carried out in 201 small- and medium-sized factories and 12 hotels through specialized energy audits.