Strategy for development of the sector drawn up in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development LONDON: Jordan’s Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources aims to establish the country as a regional hub for the production and export of green hydrogen as part of its ongoing national strategy. A blueprint for the country’s green hydrogen strategy, in which attracting investment for production facilities is considered key, has been drawn up in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development, the Jordan News Agency reported on Tuesday. In the past year, the ministry signed 13 memorandums of understanding with businesses, officials said, 11 of which were formalized during 2023. The ministry now intends to revise legislation to facilitate better integration of renewable energy sources with the national grid. Initiatives are underway to thoroughly investigate and implement the transition to electric vehicles, including assessments of infrastructure readiness and charging-station tariffs, which are seen as critical steps in the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and adopting cleaner modes of transport. Authorities also revealed that 2,840 solar water heaters were installed in 2023, benefiting thousands of citizens nationwide. Meanwhile, Jordan also plans to build natural gas pipelines to industrial zones in an effort to significantly reduce energy costs for industry. The energy ministry has announced plans for natural gas distribution networks in Amman and Zarqa, including capital investment of approximately $537 million. In addition, efforts are underway to streamline and finalize financial procedures for Jordan Petroleum Refinery Company’s fourth expansion project. Authorities in the country also have an eye on electrical-interconnection projects, in partnership with neighboring countries, including Egypt and Iraq. The ministry said that feasibility studies are being carried out with a view to doubling electrical interconnection capacity between Jordan and Egypt. The ministry acknowledged that while it made significant progress in its strategies over the past year, it had faced challenges while implementing its energy sector initiatives during 2023, including technical constraints in oil and gas exploration, financial sustainability concerns for the National Electric Power Company, and delays in evaluating and reviewing the overall status of the electrical system.