Energy

Dependent on imports and grappling with regional instability and major supply disruptions, Jordan’s energy sector has faced several challenging years. Rapid population growth – with the kingdom seeing an estimated 1.3m Syrian refugees arrive since 2011 – has also exacerbated existing water scarcity, especially in Amman and Jordan’s northern areas. These challenges have prompted the government to pursue new opportunities through private sector development, with private firms set to play an important role in delivering new water, oil shale, nuclear, and renewable energy projects. Indeed, Jordan has risen to become a regional leader and model for solar energy development, while authorities are reporting steady progress in flagship oil shale and nuclear power projects, as well as the Red Sea Dead Sea conveyance project, which should significantly augment water supply and introduce large-scale desalination activities to the water sector for the first time. This chapter contains an interview with Saleh Kharabsheh, Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.