Electricity in Jordan in 2022

In 2022, Jordan produced approximately 38 TWh of electricity. Fossil fuels dominated the energy mix, with gas and other fossil sources accounting for more than 80% of the total electricity generation, collectively producing around 33 TWh. In contrast, low-carbon energy sources made up less than 20% of the electricity supply, generating about 5 TWh. Within this low-carbon category, solar power contributed 3.4 TWh, while wind energy supplied approximately 1.6 TWh. This reliance on fossil fuels not only exacerbates climate change and air pollution but also falls short compared to the global average electricity consumption of 432 watts per person. The low levels of electricity generation may hinder economic growth, limit quality of life improvements, and restrict Jordan's ability to meet future energy demands.

Suggestions

To address this, Jordan can enhance its low-carbon electricity generation by expanding existing solar projects, which have already shown significant potential by generating 3.4 TWh. Countries that have successfully scaled up their low-carbon energy production offer valuable lessons. For instance, India has achieved notable success with its solar power, generating 113 TWh, and Jordan could adopt similar strategies to further develop its solar capabilities. Furthermore, wind energy, although contributing less than solar in Jordan, can be expanded by learning from countries like Brazil and Germany, which generated 96 TWh and 137 TWh from wind, respectively. Lastly, Jordan can also consider the development of nuclear power, an energy source that has provided substantial electricity in nations such as South Korea (180 TWh) and France (336 TWh). By diversifying its low-carbon energy portfolio, Jordan can significantly reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and promote sustainable development.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity generation in Jordan highlights a gradual but consistent growth, particularly in solar and wind energy. The early years, such as 1990, 2000, 2003, and 2004, saw no contributions from hydroelectric power, which remained stagnant. The real progress began in 2015 when both solar and wind energy began to be developed, each adding about 0.1 TWh. This growth continued, with solar energy gaining more momentum each year, adding 0.4 TWh in 2016 and increasing steadily to a notable jump of 0.8 TWh in 2021. Wind energy also saw substantial increases, particularly in 2018 and 2020, with respective additions of 0.3 TWh and 0.5 TWh. The steady increase in low-carbon electricity generation underscores Jordan’s efforts to transition towards greener sources, laying a foundation for future expansion.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources