In 2022, Jordan's electricity consumption showcased a significant reliance on fossil energy, with over three-quarters of its electricity generated from fossil fuels and nearly three-quarters specifically from gas. Low-carbon energy sources contributed to just over a quarter of Jordan’s electricity. Among these clean energy sources, solar power was the most significant, providing more than a sixth of the total electricity, while wind contributed close to a tenth. This distribution highlights Jordan's current dependence on fossil fuels but also points to a growing integration of clean energy technologies, with solar and wind forming the backbone of its low-carbon electricity mix.
Is Electricity Growing in Jordan?
The trend in Jordan's electricity consumption reveals a concerning overall decline when compared to historical data. In 2022, the total electricity consumption per person was 2011 kWh, which marks a reduction of 265 kWh per person from a peak in 2012. Despite this decline in overall electricity use, there is a positive note in the realm of low-carbon electricity generation. The latest data indicates an increase in clean electricity, with low-carbon sources now providing 464 kWh per person, up by 20 kWh from the previous record in 2021. This highlights a slow yet promising shift towards more sustainable energy practices, even as the overall electricity consumption shows a downward trend.
Suggestions
To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Jordan should significantly expand its solar energy infrastructure, building on the substantial share that solar power already contributes. Learning from successful regions can provide valuable insights; for instance, Lebanon has successfully achieved over 30% of its electricity from solar energy. Moreover, the global arena shows nuclear energy's critical role in achieving substantial low-carbon electricity generation, as seen in countries like France and Slovakia, where nuclear power contributes to more than half of their electricity supply. By considering a diversified strategy that invests heavily in solar while also exploring nuclear options, Jordan can effectively transition to a more sustainable and resilient electricity system.
History
Looking back at the history of low-carbon electricity in Jordan, the integration of renewable energy has been notably dynamic since the mid-2010s. The year 2015 marked the beginning of a shift with the introduction of both wind and solar energy, each adding 0.1 TWh. Subsequently, there has been a consistent annual increment in these areas, with solar power experiencing a particularly remarkable rise, reaching increments as high as 0.8 TWh in 2021. On the other hand, hydroelectric power remained stagnant, showing no growth throughout the recorded years. This historical progression underscores Jordan’s incremental achievements in advancing solar and wind energy, setting a foundation for continued low-carbon development efforts.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.