Arab Renewable Energy Commission urges investors to open electric car factory in Jordan

AMMAN — The Arab Renewable Energy Commission (AREC) convened its 13th executive office meeting in Amman, with the participation of representatives from 20 Arab countries.

The meeting commended Jordan's "pivotal" role in fostering Arab cooperation to achieve economic integration in the region. 

The AREC proposals focused on exchanging knowledge between Arab countries to harness the expertise of developed nations in renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric vehicles, smart cities, smart grids and green hydrogen, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

During the meeting, the majority voted in favour of establishing a regional office for AREC in Syria, and assigned Algeria as the host country for the upcoming ninth Arab forum, scheduled for November 5 to November 7, 2024. The Green Universities Initiative was also launched, and preparations were made for the inaugural Arab solar car race, hosted by the University of Adrar in Algeria.

The meeting extended an invitation to Arab investors to consider opening an electric car factory in Jordan, capitalising on the country's advantageous investment incentives and strategic location.

Jordan, according to AREC, emerged as a pioneering country in the Middle East, having already adopted electric vehicles and developed the necessary infrastructure, including advanced solar-powered charging stations to keep up with the rising global demand for electric cars, according to Petra. 

The meeting stressed the importance of creating a specialised network for Arab scientists and researchers, to implement a classification system for companies operating in the renewable energy sector in collaboration with both public and private entities across Arab countries.

The meeting emphasised the need to achieve sustainable development goals, invest in Arab universities, and enhance the role of civil society institutions in stimulating citizens and innovators in order to foster economic, agricultural, societal and industrial growth.

The meeting also decided to dissolve the commission's Supreme Steering Committee and transition to a more flexible governance structure to streamline operations and avoid duplication of tasks.