Amman, April 14 (Petra) -- The Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and the Private Hospitals Association (PHA) signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday to launch an energy audit programme for the private healthcare sector, aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing operational costs.

The agreement was signed by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources and Chairman of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Fund (JREEEF) Board of Directors, Saleh Kharabsheh, and PHA Chairman, Dr. Fawzi Al-Hammouri.

Kharabsheh said the initiative aligns with the ministry’s efforts to rationalize energy consumption and reduce waste, noting that Jordan’s energy intensity exceeds the global average by about 25 percent.

He explained that the planned energy audits for private hospitals will be carried out by specialized firms to identify areas of energy loss and implement corrective measures based on the study findings.

He added that energy conservation is a key priority for the ministry, which is advancing several initiatives, including natural gas network projects in Amman and Zarqa, solar energy projects, and broader efficiency programmes. These efforts aim to reduce Jordan’s annual energy bill, which stands at approximately JD3 billion.

Hammouri said energy costs represent a significant challenge for private hospitals, which operate around the clock throughout the week.

He stressed that conducting energy audits is essential for reducing waste in the sector, as it directly impacts the quality of healthcare services provided to patients. He also highlighted the importance of training specialized staff to consistently apply energy-saving practices.

He further noted that the agreement will benefit the national economy, as the private health sector is a key component of Jordan’s health security system, emphasizing the need for safe and sustainable renewable energy solutions and efficiency measures in hospitals.

Under the programme, energy audits will be fully funded by the JREEEF, alongside facilitated financing for efficiency projects through interest rate support and loan guarantees.

The initiative is part of the fund’s broader strategy to expand energy efficiency projects across vital sectors, prioritizing conservation measures before transitioning to renewable energy due to their lower cost and faster return on investment.

The Private Hospitals Association will promote the programme and ensure participation from all private hospitals across the Kingdom, helping reduce energy costs and enhance healthcare service quality.

//Petra// WH