At a workshop on decentralised solar in Jordan that took place in Amman, SolarPower Europe and the Jordanian business association EDAMA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) and launched a new joint report, exploring the potential and socio-economic benefits of decentralised solar in Jordan.
Jordan one of the top emerging markets for clean energy investments
Walburga Hemetsberger, CEO of SolarPower Europe said: “Jordan is considered one of the top emerging markets for clean energy investment. Solar has been successfully deployed in Jordan over the last years, in particular utility-scale solar. Yet, Jordan has further potential for solar that remains untapped, that is small-scale solar systems installed on households, businesses, and public authorities. We are delighted to start this cooperation with EDAMA, to further exchange ideas and experience particularly related to decentralised solar and create more business opportunities for solar in both Europe and Jordan.”
Strategic partnership to enhance business opportunities
Dr. Dureid Mahasneh, EDAMA Chairman of the Board commented: “EDAMA believes that the prosperity of the green sector in Jordan during the current time requires vast efforts and a noticeable contribution from SMEs. SMEs have a great impact on nourishing businesses and supporting organisations in the sector, therefore, it will reflect on the small consumers as it will reduce the price greatly and contribute to a better environment.” Dr. Dureid Mahasneh added: “This strategic partnership comes as part of a series of partnerships initiated by EDAMA. The main goal behind it is to ensure an active exchange of expertise, and furthermore, to shed light on previous prosperous experiences around the world. We are delighted to have signed this MOU, SolarPower Europe is well known as a pioneer entity in this field. Not to mention that this partnership initiated the 'Decentralised Solar in Jordan Streamlining Administrative Procedures to Maximise Socio-economic Benefits' study. We aspire that it will contribute to the enhancement of business opportunities for both associations' members".
Franziska Wehinger, Regional Coordinator Climate & Energy Project at Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung added: “Jordan has started its energy transition from a conventional energy system into a renewables-based system. Now, the questions remains how the transition will be designed.
Decentralised energy transition
Together with EDAMA as one of the most important Jordanian stakeholders, as well as SolarPower Europe bringing experience from Europe, FES is suggesting a decentralised energy transition that will support the creation of small Jordanian businesses, will reduce electricity bills for poor communities and public entities and also help solve the challenges facing the electricity grid in Jordan.”
The workshop ‘Decentralised Solar in Jordan’ was supported by the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung in the framework of the German-Jordanian Development Cooperation. The new report examines the barriers to small-scale solar and provides recommendations to help unleash decentralised solar.(HCN)
Stay informed, get our free newsletter twice a week. Register here
