Jordan, Germany join hands to establish energy academy

AMMAN — Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Saleh Kharabsheh and German Ambassador to Jordan Bernhard Kampmann on Tuesday announced the establishment of a joint initiative to establish an energy academy.

The move aims to train technicians on innovative and sustainable energy technologies in cooperation with several partner institutions from both countries. 

Kharabsheh said that increasing the share of renewable energy in the Kingdom's electricity system will provide new jobs and support economic growth, according to a ministry statement.

He added that the Kingdom has exerted great efforts to enhance the renewable energy sector’s contribution to the total energy mix, noting that renewable energy now contributes to almost 25 per cent of electricity produced in Jordan. 

Kampmann said that Germany has taken a big leap in shifting to sustainable energy and has gained experience in designing low-cost sustainable energy systems. He expressed happiness to share expertise with Jordan. 

He also praised the Kingdom's efforts in protecting the climate and reducing carbon emissions and reviewed Germany's efforts in shifting to renewable energy.

The academy will be responsible for training technicians from Jordan and neighbouring countries on building and operating energy efficient equipment, in addition to general skills, such as business entrepreneurship, digital skills and languages.