Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) hosted the pivotal General Electric Middle East and North Africa (GE-MENA) conference on October 15-16, 2024. The event, expertly organized by the Faculty of Engineering in collaboration with GE MENA, cast a spotlight on solar energy’s critical role in sustainable development, a theme resonating strongly across the entire MENA region.
Conference Highlights and Collaborations in GE-MENA Solar Energy
The conference served as a dynamic platform for sharing the latest research and technological advancements in solar energy, with a strong emphasis on integrating solar power into sustainable, everyday practices. The agenda was packed with scientific papers, insightful lectures, and robust discussions on solar applications, photovoltaic systems, and the broader water-energy-food nexus.
President of JUST, Dr. Khaled Al-Salem, opened the event by highlighting the university’s unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and community service. He emphasized the conference’s importance in promoting sustainable development and tackling environmental challenges head-on. Dr. Al-Salem also noted the university’s strategic role in fostering partnerships with international organizations, which are essential for driving projects like Jordan’s Solar Initiative to Power 40 Municipalities.
Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Dr. Muhammad Al-Khrais, echoed these sentiments, stressing the conference’s function in promoting sustainable development. He highlighted how solar energy directly contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and championing renewable energy sources. Dr. Al-Khrais also underscored the event’s success in forging crucial collaboration between academia, industry, and government agencies—a partnership model vital for Jordan’s ambitious energy goals.
Keynote Address and Panel Discussions on GE-MENA Solar Energy
The conference featured a compelling keynote address by Dr. Mohammad Shatanawi, Director of the Center for Sustainable Development at JUST. He discussed the integral role of solar energy in achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, highlighting its impact on carbon emission reduction. Dr. Shatanawi emphasized that realizing Jordan’s full solar potential, including major infrastructure like the planned Jordan solar project, requires seamless collaboration between research institutions, private industry, and government bodies.
The event also hosted several panel discussions on the challenges and opportunities in solar energy applications. Experts from diverse sectors explored topics ranging from grid integration and energy storage to the economics of solar deployment. Discussions also touched upon the financial aspects of establishing production facilities, with some experts referencing the typical solar panel manufacturing plant cost breakdown to illustrate investment scales. These sessions provided a valuable platform for sharing insights and fostering knowledge exchange.
Workshops and Training Programs for GE-MENA Solar Energy
Beyond the high-level scientific sessions, the conference offered practical workshops and training programs on the latest solar technologies. These hands-on programs were designed to equip participants with the skills needed to implement solar solutions effectively.
The workshops covered a wide array of topics, from advanced photovoltaic system design to solar thermal applications. Participants delved into the technical fundamentals, exploring the basics of solar panel manufacturing and the intricate solar panel manufacturing process. Other sessions focused on the supply chain, covering the sourcing of solar panel raw materials and the sophisticated solar panel manufacturing machines that power the industry. These practical modules allowed attendees to gain tangible experience with cutting-edge solar technologies.
Future Prospects and Commitments for GE-MENA Solar Energy
The conference concluded with a unified commitment to continue championing solar energy and strengthening the collaborative ties between academia, industry, and government. This shared vision is crucial, especially as forecasts from the International Energy Agency predict impressive growth for Jordan’s solar energy sector through 2030.
Looking ahead, the momentum from this event is set to continue. The University of Jordan has already announced it will host the first GE-MENA Conference on “Green Energy in MENA Region: Solar Energy, Green Hydrogen, and AgroTech” in late 2025, signaling a sustained regional focus on these critical topics. JUST plans to build on this success by hosting more workshops and conferences, reinforcing its leadership role in promoting sustainable practices and addressing global environmental challenges. You can stay updated on developments through the Jordan solar news archives.
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