The Jordanian Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources has announced a significant step towards renewable energy adoption by launching tenders for the installation of renewable energy systems in 40 municipalities across Mafraq, Irbid, Jerash, and Ajloun provinces. The contracts will cover the planning, supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of these systems.
Jordan's Solar Initiative Illuminates 40 Municipalities
This project marks the second phase of installing solar energy systems on municipal buildings, as reported by Al-Ghad newspaper.
Image: Collected
The ministry will announce the bid closing date on the 23rd of the following month, encouraging interested parties to participate in the tender and benefit from solar energy adoption.
The first phase of the project, completed last year, involved retrofitting 30 municipal buildings across various provinces with solar energy systems at a cost of half a million Jordanian dinars. This phase added a capacity of 570 kilowatts.
The second phase of the project, currently underway, aims to install solar energy systems in 70 municipalities, with a total capacity of up to 2,850 kilowatts. The installation will be carried out across 144 buildings in various regions, with separate tenders for each region.
The ministry estimates that these solar energy systems will save municipalities over 1,150 megawatt-hours of electricity annually, resulting in cost savings of approximately 245,000 Jordanian dinars (about $350,000) and a reduction of nearly 527 tons of carbon dioxide emissions.
The total cost of implementing these solar energy systems, including capacity-building workshops for municipal employees, is estimated at 1 million Jordanian dinars. The ultimate goal is to equip 100 municipalities across the kingdom with a total capacity of 3.6 megawatts, at a total cost of 3.6 million Jordanian dinars.
This project demonstrates Jordan's commitment to green growth and its efforts to harness renewable energy, particularly solar power. By reducing greenhouse gas emissions and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, this initiative aligns with the country's sustainable development goals.
Impact of Solar Energy on Municipalities
The installation of solar energy systems on municipal buildings in Jordan is a key component of a broader initiative to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote renewable energy.
This initiative will have a significant impact on the selected municipalities, reducing electricity consumption and environmental impact. According to recent statistics, the 40 municipal solar energy systems will collectively save over 1,150 megawatt-hours of electricity annually. This reduction in electricity consumption will lead to significant cost savings for municipalities, enabling them to allocate more funds towards essential public services and community development.
Local Capacity Development
The installation of solar energy systems in municipalities provides an opportunity to build local capacity and enhance the skills of municipal employees. Through training activities conducted during project implementation, local staff will acquire the knowledge and skills needed to operate and maintain these systems.
By providing hands-on training and experience, these projects empower local staff to acquire new skills in renewable energy technologies. This fosters innovation and strengthens Jordan's capacity to adopt and implement advanced technologies across various sectors.
This collaborative effort between the central government, local institutions, and international partners promotes green and cost-effective sustainable development while creating local employment opportunities.