Jordan Unveils 2025-2035 Energy Roadmap Combining Gas Expansion with Green Hydrogen Export Hub

Jordan's Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources unveiled a 2025–2035 energy roadmap designed to reduce the country's 92% import dependency through a dual approach: expanding domestic natural gas production and developing green hydrogen exports.

Natural Gas Expansion
The plan calls for scaling up the Risha gas field in Jordan's eastern desert to full commercial production, targeting 418 million cubic feet per day by 2029 through 80 new wells and connection to the Arab Gas Pipeline. This expansion aims to supply 60% of local demand, reducing reliance on imports from Egypt and Israel.

Green Hydrogen Hub Development
Aqaba on the Red Sea coast is designated as Jordan's flagship green hydrogen export hub. The initiative will deploy electrolyzers powered by dedicated solar parks and offshore wind farms to produce hydrogen, which will be converted to green ammonia for export. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a memorandum of understanding in April to provide technical assistance on tenders, policy modifications, and grid modernization.

Renewable Energy Goals
Jordan aims to increase renewable energy capacity from the current 27% to 30% by 2030, with a longer-term target of 50%. The plan includes a 9% reduction in energy consumption through smart meters and building retrofits.

Infrastructure and Financing
The strategy emphasizes public-private partnerships, with regulatory changes allowing third-party pipeline and storage access. Licensing timeframes for renewable and gas projects are being shortened from years to months. Local hydrogen demand is projected at 91,000 tonnes annually by 2030, rising to 1.1 million tonnes by 2050.

The plan acknowledges challenges including water scarcity for electrolyzer operations, funding constraints, and geopolitical considerations surrounding regional energy agreements.

Originally reported by Hydrogen Fuel News. Read the full article →