Electricity in Jordan in 2022

In 2022, Jordan's electricity consumption was heavily reliant on fossil fuels, making up almost three-quarters of the energy mix, with gas accounting for the majority within this category. Low-carbon or clean energy sources comprised nearly a quarter of the country's electricity generation. Solar power was a significant contributor among these low-carbon sources, providing over 15% of the electricity, while wind energy added about 7%. Despite these low-carbon contributions, the overwhelming dominance of fossil fuels highlights an urgent need for Jordan to further diversify its electricity generation to more sustainably and safely meet its energy needs.

Suggestions

For Jordan to increase its low-carbon electricity generation, expanding solar energy capacity seems a logical step given its already substantial contribution to the energy mix. The country can look to others that have effectively integrated low-carbon technologies to guide their strategies. For instance, Uruguay and Ireland have successfully harnessed wind power for more than a third of their electricity needs, demonstrating that wind energy can provide a significant share of clean energy. In the nuclear domain, countries like the United Arab Emirates, with 20% of their electricity from nuclear sources, and Armenia, with 30%, offer models of how integrated nuclear energy systems can help achieve more substantial reductions in fossil fuel consumption. Emulating such initiatives can be vital for Jordan in transitioning towards a higher reliance on low-carbon sources.

History

Historically, Jordan's journey with low-carbon electricity is relatively recent but has shown a promising upward trajectory. In the mid-2010s, the country began to see tangible increases in both solar and wind energy production. Starting in 2015, notable increments were recorded, particularly through solar energy, which saw consistent year-on-year growth—most significantly during 2019 and 2021—with incremental contributions each year. Wind power also gradually increased its share, albeit at a slightly slower pace. Interestingly, hydroelectric power has remained stagnant without any notable change since 1990, underscoring the potential for alternative low-carbon expansions in Jordan's efforts to foster a more sustainable and diversified electricity sector.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources