Jordan's electricity consumption in 2022 illustrates a noteworthy dependence on fossil sources, with more than three-quarters of the electricity generated from them. The major contributor in this category is gas, which alone accounts for almost three-quarters of the total fossil fuel generation. However, Jordan has made commendable strides towards integrating low-carbon energy sources, with approximately 23% of its electricity coming from cleaner options. Solar power plays a significant role among the low-carbon sources, providing over 15% of the total electricity, while wind energy contributes around 8%. This shift signifies a positive development towards reducing carbon emissions and enhancing sustainability.

Is Electricity Growing in Jordan?

Electricity consumption per capita in Jordan, on the other hand, has seen a decline from its historical high. In 2022, the average consumption was approximately 2011 kWh per person, showing a decrease from the peak of 2276 kWh per person recorded in 2012. This reduction is a cause for concern as it suggests stagnation in meeting the growing energy demands of a modern society increasingly leaning on electrical solutions, such as AI technologies. Nonetheless, there is a silver lining in the steady increase of low-carbon electricity, rising slightly to 464 kWh per person in 2022 from a previous high of 444 kWh per person in 2021, marking a step in the right direction for sustainable energy growth.

Suggestions

To bolster its low-carbon electricity generation, Jordan has a promising opportunity to expand its solar energy infrastructure, leveraging its existing capability in this area. By learning from nations that successfully integrate vast amounts of solar and nuclear energy, Jordan can further amplify its clean electricity production. Countries like California have shown the potential of solar energy, with solar making up 31% of their electricity. Meanwhile, the strategic adoption of nuclear energy can be informed by France and Slovakia, where more than half of the electricity comes from nuclear sources. Incorporating lessons from these regions can help Jordan efficiently transition towards a more sustainable energy portfolio, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change impacts, as well as enhancing energy security.

History

In examining the history of low-carbon electricity in Jordan, significant progress began around 2015. It was during this period that wind power started contributing to the grid, and solar energy saw rapid growth shortly thereafter. By 2016, Jordan was recording a notable increase in solar, adding around 0.4 TWh, with wind contributing an additional 0.3 TWh. Subsequent years from 2017 onward saw this trend continue, with consistent annual growth in both solar and wind capacities. The emphatic boost in 2020 and 2021, particularly for solar energy, underscores Jordan's potential in exploiting its sunny climate to support cleaner power. Such a trajectory reflects Jordan's commitment to enhancing its sustainable electricity generation, an effort that could be further accelerated through strategic planning and investment.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade