Amman, Nov. 25 (Petra) – The Ministry of Environment and the Jordan Customs Department launched a project on Tuesday to operate cold storage rooms using carbon dioxide gas at the Amman Customs Center (Al-Madouneh), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), which is implementing the Scaling Up Sustainable Cooling in the Middle East (Cool Up) project.

Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment, Omar Arabiyat, said the project reflects the Ministry's commitment to adopting modern technologies that support environmental protection and promote sustainable development.

He explained that the Scaling Up Sustainable Cooling in the Middle East project will not only improve cooling systems in Jordan but will also serve as a regional model supporting the adoption of more efficient and sustainable environmental practices.

Vice President of the Royal Scientific Society, Rafat Assi, noted that the launch of the carbon dioxide-based cold storage rooms represents a pioneering step toward sustainable cooling in Jordan. He said the project, implemented entirely by Jordanian expertise, demonstrates the viability of relying on highly efficient natural cooling technologies. He also called for continued implementation of the National Cooling and Air Conditioning Plan and stronger partnerships to support environmental and climate efforts.

Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Majida Assaf, said the new cold storage room project reflects the program's support for Jordan in adopting innovative solutions to address climate change. She noted that the success of these models demonstrates the readiness of sustainable cooling technologies for expansion and their contribution to advancing climate and development goals.

The launch ceremony featured an explanatory video on the Sustainable Cooling Expansion Project in the Middle East, as well as a brief presentation outlining the project, its context, and its potential for future expansion and replication.

A field visit was also organized during which attendees were briefed on the project, which addresses existing challenges and serves as a test to demonstrate the feasibility of technological solutions within a real operational environment.

//Petra// AJ