Energy efficiency programme to bolster Jordan’s powerhouse industrial sector

AMMAN — The industrial sector is a key pillar for Jordan’s economic growth, directly contributing some 25 per cent to the Kingdom’s GDP and indirectly contributing approximately 40 per cent, according to Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Salah Kharabsheh..

Kharabsheh noted the sector’s importance during a ceremony to launch the Energy Efficiency for Industrial Productivity Programme (Kafaa) on Tuesday, during which Energy Ministry Secretary-General Amani Azzam delivered a speech on his behalf, according to a ministry statement.

The programme was designed for three industrial subsectors, selected based on expanding applicability within the sub-sector, energy consumed, export capacity, economic and social impact and the applicability of energy efficiency solutions.

The programme will be implemented across multiple phases from 2023 to 2028. The first session for 2023 will target the food, finance, agricultural, livestock, engineering, electrical, ICT, chemical and cosmetics sectors, and subsequently will include other sectors considering market requirements and the potential for the application of energy solutions.

The programme’s services include supporting the establishment of an energy management system and technical support for applying energy efficiency solutions, linking industry to sources of finance, boosting the energy efficiency policy framework and raising awareness of the requirements of global emission reduction markets. 

The programme aims to enhance partners’ capacity to expand energy efficiency applications, engage young people through special initiatives and publish success stories for participating industries.

Kharabsheh noted that the industrial sector employs some 250,000 workers, mostly Jordanians.

President of the Jordan Chamber of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbir stressed the importance of assisting industrial establishments with energy source management and consumption reduction. 

The JCI president also noted the necessity of adopting the best applications and technologies to help sector address various challenges and compete in local and foreign markets.

Deloitte's US Managing Director Richard Longstaff  remarked that energy efficiency is an "ideal and flexible" solution that reduces operational costs and contributes to adapting to new technologies and challenges.

Marie Warzala, programme director of the Energy Sector Support Activity, said that the programme enhances productivity and competitiveness, reduces energy costs and builds capacity for energy management to reach new markets.