Amman, June 14 (Petra) -- Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Saleh Kharabsheh on Sunday outlined the key pillars of Jordan's Energy Sector Strategy 2025-2035, highlighting projects and initiatives aimed at strengthening energy security, achieving financial sustainability and advancing the mineral resources sector.
During a meeting with the Senate's Energy and Mineral Resources Committee, chaired by Farouk Hayari, Kharabsheh said the ministry is implementing a financial sustainability plan to reduce losses incurred by the National Electric Power Company (NEPCO), address accumulated financial obligations and improve the overall efficiency of the electricity sector. The plan also focuses on reducing electricity losses and enhancing the performance of the national power grid.
Kharabsheh noted that the construction of two power generation plants with a combined capacity of 1,400 megawatts will strengthen the reliability of the electricity system and help meet future demand.
On regional energy integration, he said the ministry is working to double the capacity of the electricity interconnection line with Syria and Lebanon and is seeking the necessary financing to implement the project. He added that work is continuing on the Jordan-Saudi electricity interconnection project in line with agreements signed between the two countries.
The minister also highlighted Jordan's efforts to develop green hydrogen projects, describing them as a strategic priority that will reinforce the Kingdom's position as a regional hub for clean energy while capitalizing on its competitive advantages in renewable energy.
Kharabsheh said the National Petroleum Company is proceeding with plans to drill additional natural gas wells to increase domestic production, with the goal of covering a significant share of the Kingdom's gas needs by 2029.
He added that the ministry continues to expand natural gas infrastructure by supplying industrial cities with gas and extending the network to additional industrial zones across the Kingdom.
In the exploration sector, Kharabsheh said the ministry plans to launch tenders for a 3D seismic survey in the East Jafr region covering approximately 4,800 square kilometers, with preliminary results expected by the end of the year.
Addressing the mining sector, he highlighted the enactment of the Mineral Resources Law and reviewed the Abu Khashiba Agreement and its implementation framework, noting that the government's share of profits could reach up to 65 percent under the agreement.
He stressed that mining legislation is designed to maximize the added value of Jordan's natural resources by encouraging downstream processing industries and limiting the export of raw mineral ores. Such measures, he said, will support economic growth and create employment opportunities for Jordanians.
Kharabsheh also reviewed national programs and awareness campaigns aimed at improving energy efficiency and rationalizing energy consumption across various sectors, contributing to lower energy costs, greater sustainability and more efficient use of resources.
Committee members underscored the importance of continuing strategic energy and mining projects and commended efforts to strengthen energy security and increase the contribution of domestic resources to Jordan's energy mix, supporting economic growth and enhancing national competitiveness.
//Petra// AJ
